MARGARET COLF HEPOLA
May 27, 1917 ~ December 6, 2014
Historian, philanthropist and regional treasure Margaret Colf Hepola of Woodland, WA, died peacefully Dec. 6, 2014, at her Etna Road home. She was 97. Margaret Leona Haller was born on May 27, 1917, near Woodland, WA. She lived her entire life within 5 miles of her birthplace.
Margaret is survived by her children: daughters, Sharon (Bill) Giberson, Nancy Colf and Mary (Dan) Hayden, all of Woodland, sons, Richard Colf of Woodland and Robert (Linda) Colf of La Center, and step-son, Larry Hepola of Virginia. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Clayton (Jessie) Giberson of Portland, Forrest (Wendy) Giberson of Seattle, Annalise (Matt) Galbraith of Portland, Desery (Betheny) Hayden of Ridgefield, Benjamin (Ashley) Hayden of Woodland, Molly Hayden of San Francisco, and Halle Colf, Garrett Colf and Dylan Colf, all of La Center; step-granddaughters, Angela Hepola and Tina Hepola, both of Virginia; step-grandsons, Jeff Gaudet of Colorado and Steve Hepola of Portland; great-granddaughter, Clio Marquez Giberson of Portland; and step-great-granddaughters, Avari Harrison and Eden Harrison, both of Ridgefield.
Margaret Colf Hepola was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Walter E. Colf in 1962; Edwin Hepola, husband of 13 years in 1977; brothers, Mel Haller in 2012 Bob Haller in 1981 and infant Albert Haller in 1915; and sister, AnnaBelle Bauman in 2014.
Graveside services will be held Wed., Dec. 10, 1 p.m. at Hayes Cemetery which is located about three miles east of Woodland on Hayes Road in Clark County.
A Celebration of Life will take place Fri., Dec. 12, 11 a.m., at First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665. A reception will be held following the Celebration of Life at Summit Grove Lodge, 30810 NE Timmen Rd., Ridgefield.
Donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the North Clark Historical Museum, P.O. Box 296, Amboy, WA 98601; the La Center Historical Museum, 33920 NW Pacific Hwy, La Center, WA 98629; the Woodland Historical Museum Society, 417 Park St., Woodland, WA 98674; the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98660; and the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St., Kelso, WA 98626.
Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, is in charge of arrangements.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I miss you so much, Margaret. You were such an inspiration. I loved your history of Woodland writings in our writing group.
Ann Holland
Friend
December 3, 2019
Tarja Vilenius
January 8, 2015
DESERY HAYDEN
December 25, 2014
We are so sad to hear the news about Margaret. She was a wonderful person with a giving heart. It was our honor to get to know her and we will miss her very much. Joel and Geri Lengyel
Joel Lengyel
December 17, 2014
What an impressive woman She was such a strong leader for her Family Margaret was a blessing
Nola Koch
December 15, 2014
We met you when we moved to La Center in 1968, Margaret. Bob was on the school board. We recognized what a gift to the community and the schools you were. We will miss you, and did so enjoy the stories you shared at our writing class. We ask the Lord to give Peace and strength to your family, as you will be truly missed.
Sharon Redd
December 12, 2014
Margaret was an amazing lady whom I admired so much. Her stories in our writing class of the history of the area were wonderful. She will be greatly missed.
Ann Holland
December 12, 2014
Though I have never met Margaret, I am blessed by her leadership and philanthropic character that has indirectly supported us working to restore the Mill at Whipple Creek Regional Park. Her life efforts are motivating and inspirational to those of us who want to make a difference in our communities.
Christine Kukula
December 11, 2014
She was and amazing person glad I got to know her.
Karen Conrad
December 10, 2014
What a blessing this one tiny woman was to the many people and communities she touched during her incredible journey here on earth! I was lucky enough to meet her and visit with her. The incredible time, effort, and protection she expended was amazing. She will be remembered forever for her grace and generosity. Thank you Margaret for blessing all of us in so many ways.
gerry & Faye Edwards
December 10, 2014
One never knows what impact someone will have in life. Margaret made a big impact every where she went. Her love to keep the past alive and desire to bless those in the communities were characteristics one would desire to have themselves. She will always be remembered as a great lady and all her knew her or who's path she crossed will always have great memories. I pray for comfort for the family. She was one of a kind.
Gerry & Faye edwards
December 10, 2014
I believe Margaret was a great addition to the community. She will be greatly missed..John Stark
John Stark
December 10, 2014
December 10.2014
Margaret has been the friend of our family many years. We remember our visit in your home in Woodland and your visit by us in Finland. We do not foget Margaret. In this evening 10.December we light a candle to Margaret.
Jorma and Ritva Joensuu Finland, Tampere
December 10, 2014
I was lucky to know this wonderful woman as "Grandma". Besides all of the amazing things she accomplished in her life, she was loving, kind, generous, considerate and a joy to be around. Dear Lord, please grant her peace. I love you Grandma!
Toni Hayden-Moore
December 10, 2014
What a wonderful women! Margaret will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Our hearts go out to her family. My brief time spent with her was always interesting and informative she was a great historian, always had a story to tell. Margaret and her family's generosity has benefited so many family's and communities of southern Washington. Rest in Peace my friend, you will truly be missed.
Ardis & Gerard Brintz
December 9, 2014
Among Margaret's many contributions to her community was her long and principled fight for private property rights in Clark and Cowlitz Counties.
Our whole family along with many others have benefited directly and indirectly from her efforts. She was a lovely, strong person and will be greatly missed.
Lee Witter
December 9, 2014
We are so saddened by the loss of Margaret. She was loved by everyone whose hearts she touched. She was an amazing lady, humble and kind, a blessing on earth. She has finally completed her journey here on earth. But she has touched hundreds of hearts on her way. She will be missed.
Margaret always told me how much she loved her family. She always wanted the best for all of them. For her family I pray that you will all be strong and take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and resting in the arms of the Lord and knowing that you now have an angel to watch over all of you.
May our God of love wrap his loving arms around your family, comfort you and give you peace and strength as you face this time of grief. May you live in his embraces.
With Heartfelt Condolences.
Bill and Carolyn Barbera and Chris, Robert and Richard.
Carolyn Barbera
December 9, 2014
An awesome lady will be missed by family and friends. Thanks to God for the blessing she was to so many.
Janet Crawford
December 9, 2014
I only met Margaret for a brief time. She was easy to talk to and like I had known a life time. She was a lovely lady.
Marketta Randolph
December 9, 2014
I didn't know Margaret well, but she was a good friend of my Grandfather Elmer Kramer. They fished the lakes together and kept the local history alive. A great and wise woman who left a huge mark in our world.
Michelle Lewellen
December 9, 2014
I am so touched to have had a brief friendship with
Margaret...recall her sharing her 97th birthday and
seeing all her many friends from the counties.
She blessed us all with her historical generosity
and the twinkle in her eye. W. Raines
Wilma Raines
December 9, 2014
Mrs. Hepola was a HUGE influence on our family. I'll always remember her much needed advice back in the early 70's when she was the high school secretary in La Center. Wonderful woman and a wonderful family.
Nancy Wilen-Rosol
December 9, 2014
A truly remarkable woman. Thoughts and prayers for peace to all impacted by her passing - her lasting legacy is in the enormity of that population...
Lisa Fillman Black
December 9, 2014
Grandma Margaret, thank you for all of the wonderful advice and stories. Ben loves you so much, as do I. You will be greatly missed....
Ben & Ashley Hayden
December 9, 2014
Knowing Margaret for 39 years I will remember her for three things mostly. History: she loved it and labored hard to save it. She was keeper of great stories about early LaCenter and Woodland's schools, people and politics. The Grist Mill: she was tireless in this fight to make it a national treasure. Traveled county and state in her pioneer dress gathering support. She even cooked meals for the volunteers reconstructing it. My husband was one and I won't forget how he had to risk real trouble by sheepishly admitting that Margaret's beef stew was as good as mine! The Election Board: We worked on the board for many years and it brought out her great sense of humor. Voters never knew ho many delightful and factual stories they contributed. Margaret valued the vote so much that she even came the day after a fall had made her face unrecognizable, to cast hers! it would take a book to tell all the good things about Margaret. She won't be forgotten. Jeanine Liston
December 9, 2014
I always looked forward to chatting with her as she shared so many fascinating stories about her own life and the history of Woodland and surrounding area. Margaret, you will be missed.
Christy McGraw
December 9, 2014
What a great lady who was an influence on my girls. She was a great example of generosity and grace. She will be missed.
December 9, 2014
Margaret was an amazing person and so full of history. One of the Biggest supporters of my art. Say hi to my dear friend Ella Myr in heaven. Miss you both.
Sherry Bosch
December 9, 2014
Miss you very much. Miss the good old days of going up to NCHM and our chats until 3 in the morning. You had so much to share. God bless you and may your family have peace at this sad time.
Roxanne Larsen
December 9, 2014
Margaret was a great Historian, Benefactor, Mentor, and a very good friend. I will miss her greatly, especially our chats in front of her fireplace.
Thomas Wooldridge
December 9, 2014
You were an inspiration to me, Margaret I will miss hearing your wonderful stories and hold close to my heart the times we spent together.
Cheryl Brantley
December 9, 2014
She will be missed. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy to all the family.
Annalouise Calkins
December 9, 2014
Words can't express how much I will miss you! I so enjoyed the time we spent in your "history vault" visiting about the early days. I will look forward to seeing you again someday!
Debbie Levanen
December 8, 2014
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