Memory Gardens Memorial Park and Mortuary

09/26/2026

Shirley Irene Stieber

Shirley Irene Stieber, of Bend, Oregon, peacefully passed away September 23, 2026.

Born December 5, 1934, in Topeka Kansas to Ivan and Helen Bodine, the eldest of four sisters, she graduated from Grossmont High School in La Mesa California. Shirley married Bob G Stieber in 1955, moved to Medford Oregon in 1966 and together they raised five children.

Shirley was a strong woman, fierce, not afraid to attempt new things, resilient, outgoing and friendly, and was not known to complain. She was quite proud to be born with bright red curly hair and was known to refer to herself as “Shirley, but not Temple.” She enjoyed staying active in

her children’s schools volunteering to organize fund raisers, luncheons and doing stage makeup for St Mary’s High School plays. Shirley loved gardening, canning, sewing, needlework, antiquing, genealogy and travel. She especially loved staying involved in her church, Harvest Baptist Temple of Medford where she was a charter member. In addition to forging a rewarding home life Shirley was able to pursue work experiences at KOBI TV Station, Red Lion Motel, and Harry & David Catalog Order Department where she amassed a collection of more that forty rose bushes from Jackson & Perkins.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Bob G Stieber, her parents Ivan and Helen Bodine, her sister Roberta Bodine and her son Robert W Stieber.

She is survived by her children Roberta Marquis, Rosemarie Saffer (Alan Saffer), Renee Varce (Phil Varce) and Richard R Stieber (Cindy Stieber), thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and two sisters, Marilyn Clough and Janet Madden. Shirley Stieber will be laid to rest next to Bob at Memory Gardens, 1395 Arnold Lane, Medford, Oregon on Thursday October 1, 2026 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Partners in Care Hospice House of Bend, Oregon.

View Shirley Irene Stieber's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2026

George Allen Freeman, Jr.

George Allen Freeman Jr., lovingly known as Allen, passed away on September 2, 2026, on his 53rd birthday.

Allen shared approximately 35 years of his life with his wife, Christy. Together they built a life filled with family, adventures, traditions, laughter, and countless memories. Above all, Allen loved his family fiercely and believed deeply in loyalty. One of the sayings that described him best was, “Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.”

Allen was exceptionally intelligent and clever. A 4.0 student, he had an incredible ability to look at something and simply understand how it worked. He could build, fix, or figure out almost anything, usually without bothering with the instructions.

He was also a talented drummer and recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award. After losing his leg as a teenager, Allen refused to let it define what he could do. Within a week of receiving his prosthetic leg, he marched in the Pear Blossom Parade. That same determination stayed with him throughout his life.

Allen spent 28 years working for Costco, where many coworkers became lifelong friends and family. He was someone people could count on. If a person he loved needed help—even at two o’clock in the morning—Allen would put on his leg and go.

He loved movies, Christmas, and making the holidays magical. Even during his illness, Allen pushed through tremendous pain to be present for the people he loved and to make memories with his family.

Allen is survived by his wife, Christy Freeman; his son, Nathaniel, and daughter-in-law, Makena; his mother, Arlene; his sisters, Kimberly, Tamera, and Diane; and many extended family members, friends, and coworkers who loved him dearly.

Allen will be remembered for his intelligence, determination, generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty. He was deeply loved, and the lives of those fortunate enough to call him family or friend will forever be better because he was part of them.

View George Allen Freeman, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/10/2026

Bill McCollum

Bill McCollum, 80, of Medford, Oregon, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories with family and friends who will forever carry his love and legacy in their hearts.

William Keith McCollum was born on October 5, 1945, in Chester, California, Bill graduated from Chester High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Humboldt State College in 1967. He settled in Medford, where he worked briefly as a taxidermist before beginning a forty year career with Harry and David, retiring in 2010 as a Senior Technical Architect. Bill married his wife, Connie, in 1977.

Bill loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping, and cherished time spent traveling with Connie after retirement. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby May and William M. McCollum; brother Mike; nephew Matthew; and grandson Christopher. He is survived by his wife Connie; sister Martha Neel; sister-in-law Marilyn Brown; children Chris, Mark, and Sherrie; eight grandchildren; and fourteen greatgrandchildren.

Services will be held on September 26 at Memory Gardens, 1395 Arnold Lane, Medford. Morning viewing: 10–11 AM. Graveside service: 2 PM. Celebration of Life: 3:30 PM – 6 PM Margaritaville, Compass Hotel, 2399 S Pacific Hwy, Medford Flowers may be delivered to Memory Gardens.

View Bill McCollum's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/09/2026

Michael Ray Gundlach

Born as a twin on January,1960, at Rogue Valley Hospital in Medford Oregon to Reba & Harold Gundlach and passed away on August 28,2026 at the age of 66 years old.

He was a believer in Jesus Christ Our Savior.

Mike

(Loving Brother, Uncle, and Friend),

We will all miss you

View Michael Ray Gundlach's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/09/2026

Clara Sue Beck

Clara Sue Beck “Sue” passed away peacefully at home on September 2nd, 2026 with family by her side. Sue was born on September 1st, 1938 to John William Murphree Sr and Eva Loudell Murphree in Calhoun City, Mississippi.

A Graveside Memorial will be held on Friday September 11, 2026 at 11am at Memory Gardens Mortuary & Memorial Park, 1395 Arnold Lane Medford, OR 97501. Pastor Michael Franell will officiate. Luncheon will follow at the Lozier Lane Baptist church, 794 Lozier Ln, Medford, OR 97501

Sue married the love of her life Billy Riley Beck “Bill” on May 20th 1955 in Pittsboro Mississippi. They moved to Medford, Oregon in 1962. In 1968 they opened their business Valley Heating & Sheet Metal and ran it together, until retiring in 2004.

Sue was a member of the Lozier Lane Baptist Church. She was a dedicated worshiper and truly cherished being involved in so many aspects of church life. Sue had a deep love for travel, visiting destinations around the world and exploring all corners of the United States with her husband.

She also enjoyed spending time boating on Shasta Lake with her family and making lasting memories on the water. During the summer growing seasons she produced an abundance of vegetables. She took pride in preserving her harvest, canning and freezing so her family could enjoy the garden's bounty all winter long.

Above all Sue loved her family with everything she had. She is survived by her daughter Brenda Dewey, Grandchildren Emily Huntley, Chad Beck, Jalynn Dewey and Kaydence Dewey. Great Grandchildren Daxton and Eleanor Huntley. Nieces Lori Light, Pam Greene, and Elizabeth Pearson. Nephew’s Brad Curl and Gary Elder. She was preceded in death by her Parents and Husband. Son Fred Beck, Brothers Billy Wayne Murphree, James Murphree, and John Murphree and Sister Marti Wagner.

View Clara Sue Beck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/20/2026

07/04/2026

Liam Blakeney Samos

In memory of Liam Blakeney Samos Born March 27, 1993 Died July 4, 2025

Survived by mother, Penny Blakeney, aunt, Patricia Campos, father, Josh Samos and many loving friends and family worldwide.

Liam was a world traveler, adventurer, philosopher, brilliant mind and spirit with love and respect for everyone he knew. He spent much time in Asia searching for the best teas in Taiwan and Japan to bring back and share with others along with lively conversation at each tea ceremony he hosted. He was a seeker of the truth and loved discussing philosophical ideas around it.

He is a tea sommelier to remember with a cup of puerh , one of his favorites. Liam was gracious, wise, with a beautiful soul. Gifted in so many ways and well liked and loved. Always to be remembered by all who cherish him.

I love you forever my beautiful son. Blessings.

View Liam Samos's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/19/2026

Marilyn Lois Zuppe

Marilyn L. Zuppe, 82, of Shady Cove, Oregon, has passed away peacefully June 9th, 2026 at home. Marilyn was born June 29th, 1943 at Camp White in White City, Oregon.

The daughter of Altor Frederick Herrmann and Lois Alice McManoma. Marilyn met her husband Lonnie Zuppe, Sr., in 1960 and were married on March 29th, 1962.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband Lonnie, half-brother Tommy, and granddaughter.

She is survived by her five children; Diane Zuppe McCall-Riggs, Marianne Hayes, Lonnie Zuppe, Jr., Judy Atkins, and Alan Zuppe. Also by her 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was a caregiver until she retired in 1982. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, card games such as solitaire and rummy, crocheting and so much more.

Marilyn was a loving wife, amazing mother, and a wonderful grandma.

She will be truly missed. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Sterlingville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Oregon.

View Marilyn Lois Zuppe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Kenneth Bruce Frires

Kenneth Bruce Frires, a man of boundless curiosity, quiet generosity, and adventurous spirit, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on December 15, 1951, ken grew up in Beachwood, Ohio, when he graduated from high school in 1969. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning his degree in 1973. After college, Ken moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he worked as a social worker serving migrant communities - work that reflected his lifelong commitment to compassion, dignity, and service.

It was there that he met the love of his life, Patti, at a local food co-op. Together, Ken and Patti built a life rooted in both purpose and adventure. Their travels and shared dreams eventually led them to Tucson, Arizona, where Ken founded a tofu manufacturing company, channeling his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity in to building something meaningful.

After several years in Tucson, where his son Ari was born, the couple made their way to Ashland, Oregon. They later returned briefly to Tucson while Patti attended nursing school before ultimately settling ack in Ashland, where they made their home.

For 23 years, Ken devoted himself to helping others through his work at a job counseling center, guiding adults transitioning off welfare toward stable employment and renewed confidence. He believed deeply in the potential and worth of every person he encountered.

Ken embraced life fully and energetically. An avid endurance athlete, he loved mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural world. He was also an accomplished tennis player whose competitive spirit was matched by his joy of movement and connection.

Music was woven throughout Ken's life. He played clarinet and soprano saxophone, loved to jam with friends, and in later years returned to the piano, reconnecting with an instrument he first learned as a child.

His curiosity and love of discovery carried him around the world, including travels to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Portugal, India, and Mexico. Wherever he went, Ken sought deeper understanding, meaningful experiences, and human connection.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of service, music, adventure, and an open heart. He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit, and the deeply thoughtful way he moved through the world.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Patti, his beloved son Ari, his brothers Larry and Rick. He was predeceased by his parents David and Gertrude Frires.

View Kenneth Bruce Frires's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Kenneth Bruce Frires

Kenneth Bruce Frires, a man of boundless curiosity, quiet generosity, and adventurous spirit, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on December 15, 1951, ken grew up in Beachwood, Ohio, when he graduated from high school in 1969. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning his degree in 1973. After college, Ken moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he worked as a social worker serving migrant communities - work that reflected his lifelong commitment to compassion, dignity, and service.

It was there that he met the love of his life, Patti, at a local food co-op. Together, Ken and Patti built a life rooted in both purpose and adventure. Their travels and shared dreams eventually led them to Tucson, Arizona, where Ken founded a tofu manufacturing company, channeling his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity in to building something meaningful.

After several years in Tucson, where his son Ari was born, the couple made their way to Ashland, Oregon. They later returned briefly to Tucson while Patti attended nursing school before ultimately settling ack in Ashland, where they made their home.

For 23 years, Ken devoted himself to helping others through his work at a job counseling center, guiding adults transitioning off welfare toward stable employment and renewed confidence. He believed deeply in the potential and worth of every person he encountered.

Ken embraced life fully and energetically. An avid endurance athlete, he loved mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and exploring the natural world. He was also an accomplished tennis player whose competitive spirit was matched by his joy of movement and connection.

Music was woven throughout Ken's life. He played clarinet and soprano saxophone, loved to jam with friends, and in later years returned to the piano, reconnecting with an instrument he first learned as a child.

His curiosity and love of discovery carried him around the world, including travels to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Portugal, India, and Mexico. Wherever he went, Ken sought deeper understanding, meaningful experiences, and human connection.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of service, music, adventure, and an open heart. He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit, and the deeply thoughtful way he moved through the world.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Patti, his beloved son Ari, his brothers Larry and Rick. He was predeceased by his parents David and Gertrude Frires.

View Kenneth Bruce Friries's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.