Walking On - Marion Davidson

Marion "Mary" Davidson

April 27, 1924 - Oct. 20, 2014

Grand Ronde Tribal Elder Marion Davidson, 90, passed away on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at her home in Independence, Ore., where she resided with her youngest daughter, Joannie West, for the past 12 years. Fighting congestive heart failure, Marion spent her last days surrounded by family.

Born April 27, 1924, at Wiley City, Wash., Marion was the second eldest daughter of Adeline Menard and Wilbur Daniel Haller. When Marion recalled her childhood, it was always with fond memories of all her adventures with her many brothers and sisters, and within each story she would weave a picture of her strong and loving parents.

Marion was united in marriage to Wesley W. West on May 31, 1940, in Redding, Calif. By Wesley, Marion had nine children: Wesley "Buddy" West (and his wife Dee) and Judith Meyer of Grand Ronde, Ore.; Joyce DeHart (and her husband Dillard) of Independence, Ore.; Jean Turman of Spokane, Wash.; June Olson of Happy Valley, Ore.; Wilbur West (and his wife Susan) of Aumsville, Ore.; and Joannie West. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Janice Sue, and son, Wallace West, who passed in 2013.

Marion's second husband was Damon "Pop" Davidson, a widower with seven children of his own. They were married on Oct. 13, 1970, in Vancouver, Wash. Together, they shared their lives with children from both families as well as a number of foster children for more than 30 years. Preceding Marion "Mammy" Davidson in death was her stepson, David D. Davidson, and husband, Pop Davidson, who died July 2, 2001. Mammy's surviving stepchildren are Buddy J. Davidson, Ruth Boedigheimer, Elaine Majors, Damon Dale Davidson, Jody Tobey and Darlene Nixon.

In addition to 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins, Marion's family legacy includes the following brothers and sisters who loved her very much: Betty Garrett, Carol Gleason, Delores Knight, Geneva Hansaker, Hazel Porter, Donald Haller, Edward Haller, Harvey Haller, Kenneth Haller, Robert Haller and Wilbur Haller.

Brothers and sisters who preceded her in death included twin girls who died at birth, Doris and Dorothy, as well as Nellie Haller, Phyllis Cureton, Daniel Haller, Jim Haller, John Haller, Harold Haller, Harry Haller, Agnes Haller and Charles "Two Feathers" Haller, who passed last spring.

Marion was an avid collector of antiques. She also loved music and enjoyed nature and the outdoors. For the past few years, she looked forward to her "elder's meal" on Mondays and playing her favorite slots.

An extraordinary beauty both inside and out, Marion will be remembered by many for her extreme generosity. She was the pillar of her family and in time of need her home was a welcomed sanctuary. Marion had a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around her and her passing creates a hole that will be hard to fill.