When we think about the power of memory, storytelling, and the written word, few lives embody these values more beautifully than LaVine Alice Knowles Rathkey of The Dalles, Oregon. Her journey, spanning more than nine decades, reflects the resilience of small-town life, the richness of Oregon history, and the love of community and family.
This obituary serves as a tribute to LaVine, a woman who not only witnessed enormous changes in the world but also contributed to it through her writing, her family ties, and her unwavering spirit. As we explore the life of LaVine Rathkey, we see the story of someone who lived fully, thoughtfully, and meaningfully in The Dalles, Oregon.
Early Life in Eugene, Oregon
LaVine was born on June 17, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon, to Florene Hill Knowles and Eugene Isom Knowles. Her childhood was deeply rooted in the simplicity and struggles of rural Oregon life. Growing up on her grandparents’ farm in Trent, she experienced firsthand the values of hard work, community support, and family togetherness.
Her earliest years were shaped by farming rhythms—feeding animals at dawn, learning the meaning of self-sufficiency, and appreciating nature’s quiet gifts. Life on the farm also meant walking to Trent Grade School, where generations of her family had learned before her.
Childhood During Wartime
LaVine’s formative years coincided with World War II, an era that tested every American family. She recalled rationing supplies, from tires and gasoline to sugar, and living with the uncertainty of wartime. In rural Oregon, even the simple act of driving could be affected by national defense measures. Headlights were sometimes dimmed or avoided, and everyday life required adjustment to scarcity.
These experiences instilled in LaVine a sense of resilience. She learned early that life’s difficulties could be met with calm determination, a trait she carried throughout her long life.
Education and Young Adulthood
By the time LaVine entered her teen years, she was living with her father and stepmother. She attended Springfield Union High School and graduated with the class of 1949. During this period, she became known among her classmates for her warmth and her reflective nature.
Graduating just four years after the war ended, LaVine entered a world on the cusp of dramatic change. The Oregon she grew up in was still marked by strong communities, lumber mills, and rural traditions, yet post-war America was beginning to look toward modernization and progress.
Love and Family Life
Although the obituary notice focuses mainly on LaVine’s own life, community records suggest that she shared her later years with Eldred Richard Rathkey, a World War II veteran and craftsman. Eldred was well-known in The Dalles for his model-making skills, sense of humor, and service during the war.
The couple married in December 1979 and shared more than four decades together until Eldred’s passing in July 2021. Their bond reflected love, respect, and mutual care, with each of them leaving behind a legacy rooted in Oregon’s history and values.
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A Passion for Writing and Storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of LaVine Rathkey’s obituary is her role as an author. She wrote two books that reflect her thoughtful nature and her love of history:
- “Chalk Dust and Choices” – A story that reflects the challenges of education, the power of choices, and the role teachers and communities play in shaping lives.
- “A Time to Go” – A history-focused work that captures personal and community memories, ensuring that stories of the past would not be forgotten.
Through these works, LaVine ensured that her voice extended beyond her immediate circle of family and friends. She gave her readers a glimpse into the values she held dear: education, reflection, and the importance of remembering where we come from.
Life in The Dalles, Oregon
For much of her later life, LaVine lived in The Dalles, Oregon, a city with a deep historical and cultural heritage. Nestled along the Columbia River, The Dalles is a place that blends natural beauty with a strong sense of tradition.
LaVine’s presence in the community connected her to its ongoing story. She spent her final years at The Springs at Mill Creek, a community that provided her comfort, care, and companionship. Her love for the region was reflected not only in her personal life but also in the historical narratives she wrote.
Passing and Funeral Services
LaVine Rathkey passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by the memories of her long and meaningful life.
Her graveside service took place on July 12, 2025, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery on Cherry Heights Road in The Dalles, Oregon. Friends, family, and community members gathered to pay tribute to her. The ceremony was arranged by Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home, a trusted name in the region’s memorial services.
Her resting place in The Dalles reflects her deep ties to Oregon and ensures her memory will remain a part of the community she loved.
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Legacy and Impact
The obituary of LaVine Rathkey is not only a notice of her passing—it is a story of a woman who lived with purpose. Her contributions as an author, her resilience through hardship, and her quiet devotion to family and community make her life one worth honoring.
Her story is also a reminder that legacies are built in many ways. For LaVine, it was through her books, her memories of wartime Oregon, her family life, and her years in The Dalles. She left behind both written words and lived experiences that continue to inspire those who knew her.
Broader Reflections: Obituaries as Community Memory
In writing and reading obituaries like that of LaVine Rathkey in Dulles, Oregon, we are reminded that these stories are not just about individuals—they are about entire communities. Obituaries preserve local history, connect generations, and keep alive the traditions of storytelling that define us.
LaVine’s obituary does exactly this. It highlights her birth in Eugene, her school years in Springfield, her life in The Dalles, her role as an author, and her passing in 2025. Each detail is a thread in the larger fabric of Oregon history.
10 Short FAQs About LaVine Rathkey – The Dalles, Oregon
1. Who was LaVine Alice Knowles Rathkey?
She was a beloved Oregon native, author, and community member who lived to the age of 93.
2. When was she born?
She was born on June 17, 1931, in Eugene, Oregon.
3. When did LaVine Rathkey pass away?
She passed on June 5, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon.
4. How old was she when she died?
She was 93 years old at the time of her passing.
5. Where did she grow up?
She grew up on her grandparents’ farm in Trent, Oregon, and attended Trent Grade School.
6. Which high school did she graduate from?
She graduated from Springfield Union High School in 1949.
7. Did she write any books?
Yes, she authored two books: Chalk Dust and Choices and A Time to Go.
8. Was she married?
Yes, she was married to Eldred Richard Rathkey for over 40 years until his passing in 2021.
9. Where was her funeral service held?
Her service was held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles on July 12, 2025.
10. Who arranged the funeral services?
The services were arranged by Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
Conclusion:
The obituary – Lavine Rathkey – Dulles Oregon is more than a record of a life’s beginning and end. It is a celebration of a woman whose experiences stretched across decades of change in Oregon and beyond. From her childhood on a farm to her years as an author, from wartime memories to community contributions, LaVine lived a life of meaning and reflection.
Her passing at age 93 closes one chapter but leaves open countless others in the form of stories, books, and memories. For her family, her readers, and the community of The Dalles, she remains an enduring presence.
Through her obituary, we are reminded of the value of honoring lives in full detail, cherishing the past, and recognizing that every individual’s story adds depth to the larger human narrative.
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