July 30, 1934 - Aug. 20, 2009

Leola F. Erwin, 75, of Lebanon died Thursday at Avamere Rehabilitation of Lebanon.

She was born in Gillette, Wyo., the daughter of Ralph and Georgia (Knapp) Collins. She moved to Lebanon as a child and later graduated from Lebanon High School. She married James Erwin on June 10, 1956, in Carson City, Nev. They settled in California residing primarily in Fairfield. They returned to Lebanon in 1977.

Leola belonged to the Lebanon Quilting Guild. She enjoyed doing ceramics, quilting and reading. Leola had also been a senior volunteer, visiting many residents at local care facilities. Leola was full of life, always had a smile and was blessed with a beautiful family.

She is survived by her husband, James of Lebanon; children Sharon Forrester and Karen Lenhard both of Lebanon, Jim Erwin of Mountain View, Calif., and John Erwin of Dallas; brothers Ralph Collins of Albany and Charles Collins of Lebanon; sister Adelle Harris of Cascadia; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many friends.

A viewing will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Lebanon IOOF Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Soroptimist International and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.