Zilpha May Heater
(August 16, 1911 - January 24, 2007)


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Zilpha May Heater


Long time Newberg resident, Zilpha May Heater, passed away on Jan.24, 2007 at Providence Newberg Hospital at the age of 95. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Oregon on Aug. 16, 1911 to Charles and Gladys (Moore) Jenkins. She spent her early years growing up in the John Day area, where in 1930 she graduated from John Day High School. Shortly after graduating she moved with her family to McMinnville. She worked for a while in a glove factory and then for “Kernel” R.C. Moseley promoting The Big White Popcorn Wagons. She later worked with her mother, known as “Mom” Jenkins, in the Popcorn Wagon of McMinnville. She married Russ Heater on July 6, 1941. He preceded her in death in 1983. Beginning in the early 1950s, she began a job as school cook, preparing the meals at her home and taking them into Springbrook School .She then cooked for many years at Dundee School before retiring in the late 70’s. She was a favorite with all the kids. She loved tent camping and was well known for her elaborate set up. She was still tent camping well into her 80’s. She was known as” grandma” to many children in the area and she became “grandma” to their children also. Besides camping she loved gardening, reading and just being with her family. She is survived by a son, Russell Heater of Newberg, daughters Dianne Heater-Wilson of Oceanside California and Rebecca Capell of Newberg; brother Claud Jenkins of Amity; 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by sisters Rosella McKenzie and Violet Hay and brothers John Jenkins and Homer Jenkins. An informal memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 03, 2007 at West Chehalem Friends Church Newberg, Oregon at 4 PM. Contributions can be made in her memory to Camp Tilikum in care of Alternative Burial & Cremation of Oregon PO Box 202 Sherwood, Oregon 97140.