Farnstrom Mortuary

Farnstrom Mortuary Full service cremation and burial provider, proudly serving the Willamette Valley since 1889. www.fa We have provided service to our community since 1889.

Our mission has always been to provide professional, caring and compassionate service to each and every family who calls on us. By being a family owned, independent funeral home, we are committed to provide you with an affordable, quality service. We are sensitive to your needs, and we strive to treat every family as if we were serving our own.

Carol Marie Houck
06/19/2026

Carol Marie Houck

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Joy Darlene Thompson
06/17/2026

Joy Darlene Thompson

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Roy Clarence Allen
06/11/2026

Roy Clarence Allen

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Samuel Eldridge Archer Samuel Eldridge Archer, 87, passed away at his home in Independence, OR on June 1, 2026. He i...
06/03/2026

Samuel Eldridge Archer

Samuel Eldridge Archer, 87, passed away at his home in Independence, OR on June 1, 2026. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra Kay Archer, his loving sisters Judith Heaney and Carol Fox, his parents Eldridge Allison Archer and Avis Moore Archer, and his son-in-law Jerry Pittman. He leaves behind two daughters, Amy Archer and Cindy Pittman, three grandchildren Ian Archer Carney, Christopher Pittman, and Andrew Pittman, two great-grandchildren, Isla Juul and Teo Juul Carney, and his chihuahua Carmi.

Born on December 29, 1938 in Bunker Hill, Oregon, Sam had a long career as a log scaler (affording him the skill of being able to name every creek in Oregon) but it was his family and hobbies that filled his life with joy. From making jewelry to restoring cars, Sam always loved to tinker in his workshop, but most of all it was cooking and flying that filled his days. Along with his wife Sandi, he built an airplane hangar and a Murphy Elite float plane, traveled the country attending countless air shows, and meticulously maintained his Cessna and Ercoupe.

In addition to attending every possible family reunion and a monthly "cousins' lunch" with his 1st cousins in Coos Bay, Sam was also the chief family historian. He compiled a comprehensive family history going back multiple generations and reconnected with distant relatives in Wales.

Sam was also an active member of St. Luke's by the Sea in Waldport, OR and deeply valued his time there.

He leaves behind a tremendous group of friends of all ages, his Church Family in Waldport, his amazing airpark community, and an even larger extended family, and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers, especially Donna Bolding and Alma Almazan, as well as Willamette Valley Health, whose kindness and dedication brought comfort to Sam and peace of mind to those who loved him.

Donations in Sam's memory to EAA Aviation Foundation Scholarships are welcome. These scholarships help young people join the aviation community.

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/scholarships-donation-form

Visit Farnstrom Mortuary for obituaries in Independence, Oregon. Find heartfelt tributes to your loved ones on our website.

Harry Kane Schreiber
06/01/2026

Harry Kane Schreiber

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Barbara Lea Obrist
05/27/2026

Barbara Lea Obrist

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Nicole Marie Chappell
05/27/2026

Nicole Marie Chappell

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Richard Dale Paridee
05/26/2026

Richard Dale Paridee

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Patricia Ann Wade
05/26/2026

Patricia Ann Wade

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Gerald Ralph GirodGerald (Jerry) Ralph Girod was born on October 21, 1939 in Salem, Oregon to Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt G...
05/14/2026

Gerald Ralph Girod

Gerald (Jerry) Ralph Girod was born on October 21, 1939 in Salem, Oregon to Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt Girod and Ruby June Girod (Orey). Jerry was an only child raised on a hop farm at Mission Bottom north of Keizer surrounded by cousins from numerous aunts and uncles. Ted Girod played professional baseball for the Salem Senators and passed his love of the game to his son who would ride his bicycle from Clear Lake School to the local country schools arranging baseball games against other rural communities. His prized childhood possession was a glove autographed by local legend, Bill Beard, that painfully slipped and disappeared from his handlebars on a backcountry ride.

Jerry met and married Linda Lee Hueller at Oregon College of Education (OCE) on March 16, 1962 and raised three sons including Jeff (Megan), Chris (Diedre) and Mark (Tanna). Their home was a place of jovial dinners and endless competitions in made-up sports like blood basketball, knee football, foot races and high jumping in the backyard. Jerry played slow-pitch softball with a gang of locals for 30 years continuing to call these teammates friends and joyfully reminiscing about warm evenings racing around the bases. He was an avid fan and supporter of his kids' sport teams and coached many MIKI (Monmouth Independence Kids Incorporated) baseball teams. Jerry and Linda recently celebrated their 64th anniversary.

Jerry graduated from North Salem High School and served in the Army National Guard at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas before returning to enroll at OCE. He taught at Englewood Elementary School before earning a doctorate in education from Washington State University and joining the faculty at OCE in 1964 as a professor of elementary education. Jerry was a gifted teacher and rose through the faculty ranks retiring as Dean of the College of Education in 1995. Many of his students went on to become lifelong educators, principals, and superintendents across the state.

Jerry leaves a legacy and loving family including his wife Linda, three sons, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Contributions in his name can be made to the Panther Club supporting Central High School activities at PO Box 84, Independence, OR 97351.

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410 Monmouth Street
Independence, OR
97351

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+15038381414

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