Delores Lorraine Stills

Our beloved Delores Loraine (Anderson) Stills, known to many as "Grandma Dee," a long-time Central Oregon resident, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022, at the age of 89. Delores was born on April 15, 1933, to Ray and Bertha (Herland) Anderson in Crosby, North Dakota. Travelling by train, her family relocated to Bend in 1942. After graduating from Bend High School, Delores met Doug Stills and they married in 1953 and went on to have three children, Mike, K'Lynn, and Lorne. Together, Delores and Doug had many adventures starting new businesses and travelling. As she liked to say, "We didn't let the grass grow under our feet." In 1958 they started a mill, Stills Box Company, which Delores co-owned and operated from 1958-1969. In 1968, they bought 3,800 acres of land and Delores was the co-developer of what eventually became Three Rivers Recreation Area. Delores and Doug built roads, cleared land, and started selling lots in 1970. They also built a successful marina and store that still services the public and Three Rivers Recreation Area's property owners. In addition, she also co-developed and operated a houseboat rental business called Chinook Water Chalets. Never backing away from a challenge, Delores also co-owned a ranch in Burns, Oregon, where she and her husband grew alfalfa. Delores is survived by her three children (Mike Stills, K'Lynn Chastain, and Lorne Stills); her sister, Pam Gibson; and six grandchildren (Joe Stills, Derek Chastain, K'Dee Chastain, Melissa Adler, Jason Fish, and Brian Stills). She is also survived by her six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, five step-great-grandchildren, four step-great-great-grandchildren, and many adored nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Bertha Anderson; her husband Doug Stills; and her sisters, Evelyn Miller, Arlean Wasson, Phyllis Bergstralh, and Beverly McBride. Delores knew how to have a good time. Watching her dance to her favorite country music would make anyone smile. If music were playing, she would be dancing. She also loved to travel, play board games and card games, hunt, fish, make lefsa, or any activity that involved connecting and interacting with other people. While she could make a simple afternoon turn into a fun event, she often seemed to be at her best when helping others have a good time. For over 25 years, she hosted an annual Easter egg hunt at Three Rivers Recreation Area where she would purchase and boil hundreds of eggs, invite kids and adults to help color the eggs, and then gather a group of friends to help hide them all. She also had an Easter bunny costume that she would sometimes wear herself or sweet-talk someone else into wearing. The bunny would then hop through the campground and wave at the eager kids. Delores loved seeing those smiling faces. She was a huge fan of Culver Bulldog athletics. Generations of student athletes can remember Grandma Dee, rain or shine, at home and away games, cheering them on during their sporting events. Delores was a generous friend to all, with a smile that could put anyone at ease. Whether we called her mom, sister, grandma, auntie, cousin, Dee, Grandma Dee, or her Three Rivers CB handle, "Moonshine," she was always our cheerleader and was happiest when we were happy. If we were struggling, she was there to lend a helping hand or simply make us laugh. As kind and caring as she was funny, we will remember her kindness and love that helped us find hope and courage within ourselves. A viewing will be held at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home (105 NW Irving Ave., Bend, OR 97701) on September 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a funeral service at the same address on September 27 at 11:00 a.m., with interment immediately following. After the interment, a Celebration of Delores's Life will be held at the Terrebonne Grange Hall (8286 11th St., Terrebonne, OR 97760). Delores loved supporting local school athletics. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Culver Mat Club. Donations can be mailed to: Culver Mat Club 1910 SE Sagebrush Drive Madras, Oregon 97741

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Delores Lorraine Stills

April 15, 1933 - September 14, 2022