Cleona June Bales

Cleona J. Bales passed away quickly and peacefully at the age of 90 with her family at her side April 23, 2014 at Providence Hospital in Medford, Oregon. She was born in Topeka, Kansas where she became the high school's Marching Majorette as a baton twirler. She came from a family with four children and throughout her life her sister and brothers were some of her best friends. She married Howard W. Bales in 1940, raised five children together, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Portland, Ore. LDS Temple for time and all eternity. They had been married 52 years when Howard passed away. Howard and Cleona had a family of children that spanned 25 years, and together, they enjoyed many happy family activities.

Cleona was a woman who loved her family, her friends, and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cleona was an inspiring example of Christian living. Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun, family, and friends, including an attitude that there was always room for one more. She will be remembered for her kindness, love, and example of compassion. She had a love of creativity that showed in her many talents of painting, sewing, and quilting. Her family will remember her every time they are out in nature, because of her ability to teach them to find beauty in the outdoors.

Most of her life she was a homemaker and did sewing and ironing for people. When she moved to Medford, Oregon she worked at Hearthstone as a Physical Therapy Aide until the age of 79. At the age of 77 she traveled to China with her son and his wife to bring home one of her many granddaughters. She also hosted Panda Club for local children adopted from Asia. After her retirement she switched her career to doing genealogy, which she loved. Her sharp mind allowed her to learn how to operate the computer for her genealogy work clear up until the day before she passed on. Cleona loved having her family spread out in age. She said, That way I get to spoil every one of my children. She leaves all her children and grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know that she loved the Lord.

She is survived by four children, Pat (Gene) Saunders of Fallbrook, Calif., Carol Bales of Cedar City, Utah, Jennifer (Maurice) Hunt of St. George, Utah, and Jeff (Kris) Bales of Medford, Ore.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Bales and her daughter, Jeanne Meyer.

We will miss you Mom ("Grandma), but we are comforted by the knowledge the Gospel provides that you will be near us in spirit.

Her funeral was held April 26, 2014. Remembrances can be left at mailtribune.com/obits.