Carolyn L. Wortendyke May 12, 1919 - November 21, 2011

On November 21, 2011, Carolyn L. Wortendyke, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home at age 92. She died unexpectedly from complications of flu-like symptoms. Carolyn was loved by many in the Sisters community, after moving here from Tigard in 2006 to be closer to her daughters. Her zest for life, quick wit and outgoing personality won the hearts of everyone she encountered. From waitresses, to bank tellers, hair dressers and retail clerks ... everyone loved the smile and cheery outlook that she exuded. Many will remember her great love for music and dance.

Carolyn is survived by her three daughters and their families: Joy and Winfield Durham of Sisters; Judie and Ron Fletcher of Eugene; and Debbie Bucher, also of Sisters. She has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include: Ashley Fletcher Gilmore of Portland; Kyle Fletcher of Los Angeles; Justin Durham of Sisters; Jared Durham of Portland; Jessica Durham of Portland; Tim Moore of Sherwood; and Leslee Moore of Tualatin. They all agree that she was the "best grandma in the whole world." Judie added, "Mom was an incredibly generous and caring woman and always saw the good in everyone she met. I have always admired her so very much."

Born May 12, 1919 in Portland, Carolyn was the daughter of Phoebe and Clayton Knox of Stevenson, Washington. Due to divorce and economic challenges of the depression era, she spent seven years in an orphanage in Lake Oswego, along with her two sisters. By her late teens, she returned home and graduated from Stevenson High School. "Despite her difficult childhood, my mom had a way of always looking at the bright side of life ... even through the last weeks of her life," says Debbie of her mother. "We could all take a lesson from her positive and optimistic outlook."

Carolyn was married for 29 years to the father of her children, Wylis Bucher, Broker/Owner of Bucher Realty, Inc. in Portland. As a homemaker during the '50s and '60s, her home and family were always a priority. According to her daughters, "Mom loved children and having fun. We grew up in an environment characterized by laughter, music, lots of children and neighbors playing at our house or swimming in our pool; it was great." 

She was given a second chance at love, 10 years after her marriage ended. In 1977, she married Charles Wortendyke and moved to his 280-acre ranch along the beautiful Skagit River in Marblemount, Washington. Together they traveled the world and divided their time between living on the ranch and enjoying the winters in a small town north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. These were very happy times, and "Chuck" was the love of her life.

The family would like to thank the residents of Sisters for all their hugs, love and support this past week and extend a special thanks to our good friend, Charlene Benjamin. She loved our mother as her own and was much more than a caregiver. She was a good friend, companion and "fourth daughter" to our mom.

There will be a celebration of Carolyn's life after the holidays at Sisters Coffee Company on January 15. Everyone is invited.