Ilene M. Grady

Ilene M. Grady, 78, a resident of the Vernonia community, died Wednesday afternoon, April 7, 2021, at Providence St. Vincent's Medical Center. Ilene Grady passed away on the afternoon of April 7 at the age of 78. She died from complications of cancer treatment. Her three sons and her younger sister were with her as she slipped peacefully away. Grandchildren were able to come to her bedside in her last hours. The oldest of six children, she was the daughter of Henry and Violet Norquist. She spent her childhood on a small farm in the Willamette Valley, where she helped tend animals and a garden at home and picked crops as a summer job along with the rest of her family. Ilene started her education at a one room schoolhouse, South Oak Grove, but by second grade she could ride the bus to the new Molalla Consolidated Grade School. She graduated from Molalla Union High in 1960. Shortly after high school she married Larry Johnson, who lived in Vernonia. They had a son, Steven, together. Ilene's second marriage was to Michael Grady, also from Vernonia. Mike brought his son Stewart to the marriage. Together they had three more sons, Scott, Rick, and Tim. They were known fondly as The Grady bunch. Ilene came from a big family. She is survived by siblings Linda Reeder, Laurie Suhrbier, Henry Norquist Jr., and Donald Norquist. Her youngest sister, Betty Jo, preceded her in death. Ilene loved her family and loved hosting big family gatherings. For many years they all gathered in Vernonia to celebrate their mother's birthday on December 28th as a way to get the whole family together at Christmas time. As the family grew it became quite a houseful. Later she hosted the Norquist Family picnic every August. Ilene knew tragedy in her life. Two sons, Steven and Rick, preceded her in death, as well as her beautiful young granddaughter Kendall. Her husband of over 50 years, Mike, died in 2015. But even as there was loss, there was renewal. Grandchildren and great grandchildren filled her life. Oh, how she loved those babies. Ilene also had many other children in her fife. She worked for many years as an aide in the local schools, and at age 50 she completed her college degree and earned her teaching certificate. She substituted in the Vernonia schools until she was hired as a fifth-grade teacher. By now everybody knew Mrs. Grady, and it seems that everybody loved her. As news of her impending death spread via Facebook, the expressions of love came pouring in. What a legacy she has! Ilene was also involved in many community organizations and led an active social life. She loved to play cards, and many will mourn her empty seat at the table. A much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be missed by many. Survivors include her three sons and daughters-in-law, Stewart and Stacey Grady, of Vernonia, Oregon; Scott Grady, of Vernonia, Oregon and Tim and Kathy Grady, of Cathlamet, Washington; her two sisters and a brother-in-law, Linda and Tom Reeder, of Seattle, Washington and Laurie Suhrbier, of Chehalis, Washington, her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Sheree, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and her brother and sister-in law Henry and Cindy Norquist, of Idaho. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer and Dustin Dethlefs, of Ketchikan, Alaska; Stephanie and Sean Kelso, of Newberg, Oregon; Logan and Lisa Grady, currently serving in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Oak Harbor, Washington; Jamie Sparks, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Timothy Sparks, of St. Helens, Oregon; Daniel Grady, of Hillsboro, Oregon and Nicole Grady, of Sweet Home, and John Michael Swab, of Billings, Montana; and nine great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Memorial remembrance can be made at Wauna Federal Credit Union. Account #164670 Ilene Grady Remembrance Fund. This fund will go towards an academic activity, in her memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home in Vernonia.