Nov. 12, 1943 - Sept. 21, 2012
Paris passed away at her Bend home September 21, 2012, with her husband holding her hand and in the presence of her two sons. After several months of treatment, cancer finally claimed her life.
Paris was born in Portland to Howard and Paris Slyter and raised in
Pleasant Valley where she enjoyed riding her horse throughout the (then) wide open countryside.
Paris was employed by Centennial Mills for 33 years and worked an additional 2 years with Wilbur-Ellis.
Paris and her husband Roger met in the 6th grade and went on to become high school sweethearts. Always working together, the couple lived an active and fulfilling life until Paris death just one month before their 50th Wedding Anniversary. As husband and wife, Roger and Paris were "best friends" as well as spouses.
At the time their two sons were progressing to college, Paris and Roger adopted a little girl. Tiffany joined the family in 1986 and was the mirror image of Paris. Mother and daughter shared their love for showing horses.
In 2002, Paris and Roger realized their dream of retiring to Bend where Paris made quilts and friends. Paris joined a bowling league and, with Roger towing the trailer, traveled to many horse shows with her paint horse "Bear." For Paris, the joy of competition was equaled by the many friendships made at the arenas.
In addition to her local hobbies, Paris enjoyed traveling through Europe with her sister, Alice and the family daughters, and later with Roger. Paris and Roger also spent three summers in Alaska sightseeing and reuniting with family. In 2008 the couple so enjoyed their vacation to New Zealand that they had planned a return trip in the near future.
Although she stayed busy in retirement, Paris would frequently return to Portland to visit her sons and grandchildren. "Grandma Paris" was a gifted cook and delighted in making Swedish Pancakes for her granddaughters.
Paris is survived by her husband, Roger; her sons, Jason (Heidi), and Justin; daughter, Tiffany; her brother, Howard and his wife, Marge; her mother- in-law, Laura Steen; sister-in-law, Linda Ott; granddaughters, Tennison and Ava Paris; and many nieces and nephews; and of course, her horse Bear. She was preceded in death by her father, Howard; mother, Paris; father-in- law, Orlan Steen; and sisters, Colleen and Alice.
Paris family and her many dear friends mourn her loss.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m., at The Nativity Lutheran Church in Bend, Oregon.
Remembrances in Paris honor may be made to Partners In Care Hospice, Bend, OR or Equine Outreach Inc., Bend OR.
Paris Steen
