Vesta Cutsforth Kilkenny passed away in Portland at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as bold and unforgettable as the woman herself.
Born on July 8, 1932 in Heppner, Vesta was the daughter of Orville and Alta Pettyjohn Cutsforth and the fourth of seven children. She grew up on the family ranch near Lexington, learning early the meaning of responsibility and hard work. As a young girl, she worked on the farm and tended to the livestock; no-nonsense beginnings that shaped a woman who never shied away from a challenge.
She attended Heppner High School and married Robert Kilkenny in the fall of 1949. Together they raised four children – Russell, Patrick, Kelly and John – on the farm. Vesta’s world revolved around her family and the land, and she ran both with a steady hand. An exceptional cook, she kept her family and the harvest crew well fed. She would prepare a hot lunch, drive 25 miles to deliver to the harvest crew in the afternoon, and still be back in the evening to serve dinner to the same crew. Nobody worked harder – or fed people better – than Vesta.
In the late ‘60s she charted a new course, moving to Portland and launching a career in insurance before pivoting into real estate, where she thrived until retiring at 75. Reinvention came naturally to her.
She married William “Bill” Handy in 1980, who preceded her in death in 2004. Together they traveled and cherished time at their second home in Gearhart.
Vesta was an avid reader, learned to swim at 83, and loved sharing a happy hour with friends. She had strong opinions and lived life on her terms. One of a kind, she was candid and full of spark. Above all, she loved her family.
She is survived by her children, Russell, Patrick (Stephanie), Kelly Kilkenny Hale and John (Diane); seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her half-siblings, Gene Heliker, Lisa Cutsforth, and Donna Cutsforth.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her son-in-law, Bob Hale; her parents, Orville and Alta; brothers, Gene, Fritz, Patrick, and Kenneth; sisters, Dorothy Hawkins and Faye Cutsforth; and half-sister, Sharon Stokey.
Vesta lived with backbone, humor, and heart. Her stories will be told for generations and her voice, unmistakable to the end, will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Heppner on March 13 at 1 p.m., where stories will be shared, laughter will echo, and Vesta’s unmistakable spirit will be felt.
Our family asks that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to St. Patrick’s Senior Center, Heppner Housing Authority, P.O. Box 586, Heppner, Ore., 97836 in honor of Vesta Cutsforth Kilkenny.
Please leave your condolence messages for the family at https://www.sweeneypaytonmortuary.com.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
