This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Conrad, McFarland, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5256/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Times Newport, OR 97365 Modified: Wednesday, Feb 17th, 2010 Melba Conrad Melba Conrad, 88, of Lincoln City, Ore., died Feb. 3, 2010 at her home. She was born Feb. 15, 1921 to Clarence and Anna Conrad in Pawnee City, Neb. She graduated from Salem High School then took business courses. Prior to and during the war years, she worked in the canneries around Salem, and then worked for the Veteran's Administration and the Federal Wage and Hour Board in Portland. Later she transferred back to Salem and began working for the Public Roads and Highways Administration, which led her to transfer again to Portland and work for the Federal Highways Administration as a budget analyst. In 1968, she was asked to take a position with FHA in Washington, D. C. Her work there earned her the opportunity of being asked to move to Panama and become the Office Manager for the Federal Highways Administration, based in Panama, and building the road from Panama to Bogota, Columbia. In 1976, she returned to D. C., where she retired after 32 years in government service. In 1977, she returned to Salem, and then moved to Lincoln City. She was very active with the Mazama's in the 1940s and early '50s. She climbed to the summit of Mt. Hood in June 1946, and in the early '50s, picked up her interest in photography, primarily 16 mm film. This led to her being requested to film the Oregon State Fair for the State Fair Commission. She made "home" movies, as well as other movies that were used to teach people about special subjects. While retired, she served as a volunteer at the Lincoln City Hospital, where she introduced the Life Line program in Lincoln City. She was twice named Woman of the Year for Lincoln City. She earned permanent membership in the Hospital Auxiliary, and donated more than 4,500 hours of work. She was also awarded the Dr. Terrill Award for service at the hospital. She has been a major donator and supporter for animals, cancer societies, and almost anyone in need of help. She also held offices with the Roads End Association and with Unity by the Sea. Her love of animals, gardening and travel rounded out her love of life. She is survived by her brother, Clarence F. Conrad of Mandeville, La.; niece Marie McFarland of Puyallup, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews. Melba became Marie's legal guardian in 1963, which gave Melba the opportunity of being a grandmother of two and a great-grandmother of five. A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy 101 in Lincoln City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 510 NE Harney St., Newport, OR 97365; Samaritan North Lincoln Hospice, 3100 NE 28 St., Lincoln City, OR 97367; Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, 3043 NE 28 St., Lincoln City, OR 97367; or the American Heart Association, 4301 Fairfax Dr., #530, Arlington, VA 22203. An online memorial book is available at www.pacificviewmemorialchapel.com. Pacific View Memorial Chapel in Lincoln City is handling arrangements. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.