110 East 12th Street
Vancouver, Washington
FORDENA "DENA" G. WEBER
October 7, 1928 ~ March 25, 2016
"Dena was extremely friendly
and always saw the good in people."
Dena G. Weber, 87, of Brush Prairie, WA, passed away Fri., March 25, 2016 at her home in her daughter's arms. She was born Oct. 7, 1928 in Hutchinson, KS to James and Myrtle Lanning.
As a young woman, Dena played piano at her church in Hutchinson. She worked with the handsome, young choir director, Clinton, whose father was the pastor. They eventually married and began a family. Because Clinton was a band director for schools and colleges, Dena found herself and her family moving around the northwest quite a bit, starting in 1954. Each town that they lived in, she would always play the organ for the church services and when needed play the piano for the school choirs. They spent time living in Toppenish, Leavenworth, and Sedro Woolley, WA. While in Sedro Woolley she was on the board for Samish Council Campfire, followed by a two-year stent at Twin Falls, ID teaching music at the newly created College of Southern Idaho, then finally landed in Vancouver teaching music at Evergreen School District until Clinton's retirement. Dena found work as a transcriptionist with First Interstate Bank of Oregon in 1967.
They became vital members of Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, OR. Dena was the church organist and became a church moderator.
Music and service to her community
were central themes in Dena's life.
At one point, Dena and Clinton owned a musical instrument repair service. She loved being able to help anyone, but especially Clinton's music students. If a student's parent couldn't get uniforms cleaned in time for a performance, Dena was there to lend a hand. She and Clinton were valued neighbors. They were willing to step in to assist wherever help was needed.
When she had spare time, she enjoyed reading, knitting, keeping up with her children, and watching all of the wild animals near her home.
Dena is survived by her children, Arlene Weber, Steve (Connie) Weber and Stan Riggle; grandchildren, Julie Chaney and Christina Van Zandt; great-grandchildren, Amber Garner, Brittany Garner, Stormy Chaney and Mariah Chaney; siblings, Dr. Donald Lanning, Francis Lanning, Paul Lanning, Darlene Olson; and her very special little therapy dog, Abby.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clinton; and parents, James and Myrtle Lanning.
A memorial service for Dena will be held 4:00 p.m., Sat., April 16th at Peace Church of the Brethren, 12727 SE Market St., Portland, OR 97233.
Memorial donations are appreciated to: Stroke Camp through the Aphasia Network, http://www.aphasianetwork.org/aphasia_camp.html.
Please share memories at
www.VancouverFuneralChapel.net
and www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
A wonderful lady with a great daughter. I enjoy the nature picture she gave me. My deepest sympathy at this time to her family.
Mary Shepard
April 11, 2016
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CLOSED-Vancouver Funeral Chapel | Funeral Homes Vancouver WA110 East 12th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660-3226
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