Kathleen Juanita Dunn was born Nov. 9, 1929. She grew up on her family’s farm in Sandy, OR. She attended a two room schoolhouse in Kelso, OR and then graduated from Sandy Union High School. An avid student, Kathleen attended Linfield College and the brand new Vanport College.
At the age of 22, she married Ernest W. Eldridge. In this union, she was thrilled to acquire a step-daughter, Ginda. This was to be one of her dearest relationships. Later, she had a daughter, Connie and a son, Earl.
Kathleen was a woman of indefatigable spirits and energy. She had many interests and passions. She and Ernie drove trucks, had a plumbing business and then started a general construction company, E.W. Eldridge, Inc. This family business did heavy construction, primarily public works; building roads, river repair and dam construction. She relished being vice-president of the company and being a woman in the construction and heavy equipment industries.
She was also a Campfire and Cub Scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, an involved member of her church for over 55 years, a school board member and chairman, active in a 12 step program for 63 years, and a life-long student. She was active in Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) where she rose to prominence. She was the first woman to be chosen as president of this open-shop organization, and she was re-elected several times. She later became Executive Director of ABC. Kathleen loved to build houses and she earned her Realtor’s license and then became a Broker, working for several companies. She ended her career at the age of 77 at Windermere in Sandy.
In “retirement” she was more active than many employed people. She was involved with the Sandy High Alumni organization, the Sandy Historical Society and the Christian Science church in Gresham. She started several clubs at Cherrywood Village where she lived for the last several years, with her beloved dog, Sugar.
Kathleen will be greatly missed by her children, Ginda Martin , Connie Eldridge-Pederson, Earl and Debi Eldridge, her niece Sue Glenn , grandchildren Lynnette Smith, Scott Basham, April and Eric Eldridge, great grandson, Scott Basham and great-great grandson, Brody. She also has three step-granddaughters.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Sandy Funeral Home at noon, Saturday, Feb. 14th.