Obituary of Harriet W. Dreher

Harriet W. Dreher was born August 2, 1924 in Terrebonne, OR. She passed away on January 6, 2009 in Vancouver WA with her loving husband of 63 years, Ralph, at her side. Harrietâ??s parents, Paul and Nell Williams both died while she was young. She and her brother, Bob, went to live with their maternal grandparents, the Ralstons, until they each graduated from high school in Redmond, OR. Following her graduation, Harriet worked for a trucking company in Redmond until she enlisted in the U S Coast Guard during WWII. She trained in Florida and then served in the San Francisco area. During the war years she corresponded with an Army buddy of her brother named Ralph Dreher. Following her discharge, she met her â??pen palâ?? and they were married on September 2, 1945. They made their home in Vancouver, WA where they lived for the rest of their happy lives together. Harriet and Ralph loved to camp with their two sons, Michael and Philip. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their many friends and extended family. Harriet also loved to crochet, read, and garden. She was a VFW Lifelong Member, and was active in scouting with both sons. As the boys grew older, she and Ralph supported their sonâ??s chosen interests in Sea Explorers and Civil Air Patrol. Harriet worked in Portland for Selective Services, and then for WA DOT until her retirement. Harriet is survived by her husband, Ralph, of Vancouver; one son, Philip, of Camas; one grandson, Brent, of Salem OR; and one granddaughter, Taryn, of Aloha OR. Their son, Michael, passed away in 2007. She will be placed at Livingston Cemetery in a private ceremony. Straubâ??s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.