Janie Carlene Hersey

Janie Carlene Hersey went to see Jesus on December 22, 2025 at age 91 in Redmond, Oregon. She was born in Loma Linda, California on July 3, 1934 and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1952. After graduating, she worked as a school secretary for a short time. At the age of 16, Carlene became interested in antique lamps and furniture. She would continue pursuing this passion throughout her life, owning her own shops, in California, Oregon, and in McCall, Idaho for many years. Carlene married William Hersey, Jr. in 1960 in San Bernardino, California. They moved to Oregon in 1971, after the birth of their daughter, Kimberly. Unfortunately, William Hersey, Jr. passed away in 1979. John Day, Oregon called to Carlene, so she moved there in 1980, opening an antique shop and running a restaurant. Four years later, Carlene moved to McCall, Idaho, where she raised Kimberly and ran her antique shop. After Kimberly moved to Salinas, CA, Carlene moved to Yucca Valley in 2005 to be closer to her daughter. Then, Kimberly decided to move back to Oregon, and so did Carlene, this time to Ontario. Eventually she decided Redmond was a better area to retire, so she moved there in 2015. Carlene often traveled searching for the perfect inventory for her shop, which showed her fierce independence. She was also outspoken when she thought a situation warranted it, while still being compassionate and caring. She occasionally hosted some college students in the summer while they worked in the McCall area and always had an open space at her holiday meal table for those who didn’t have family to celebrate with. Carlene was preceded in death by her husband, William Hersey, Jr., and her parents, Arthur and Lela Beezley. Carlene is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Hersey) and her husband Ed Nichols, their children Angie (Ben) Friesen, Josh (Heather) Nichols, Nicki (Jeremy) Young, Abram (Katie) Nichols, and many great grandchildren. Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society. There will be a graveside service at Pilot Butte Cemetery, in Bend, Oregon, on January 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home of Bend was honored to serve the family.

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Janie Carlene Hersey

July 3, 1934 - December 22, 2025