Gladys C. Porter

Gladys Chrisman Porter was born Gladys Chrisman on February 17, 1915 to George and Pearl Chrisman on the family farm near Stayton, Oregon. Gladys passed away February 20, 2018 having attained the age of 103 years. Gladys graduated second in her class from Stayton High School in 1933. She married Wilbur Porter in 1937 and had two sons, Stephen in 1942 and Miles in 1949. She was predeceased by Wilbur and is survived by her two sons. Gladys was well known in the downtown Stayton business community having helped her husband run his business before and during World War Two. She continued in this roll after the war in the Porter and Lau partnership and did not retire until her 80th birthday in 1995. She was well known to Stayton teenagers as Mrs. Porter “the record lady” as she ran the shop’s music department. Perhaps three generations of teenagers stopped by after school to listen to the latest popular phonograph records (later cassettes and CDs), and sometimes to buy them. Gladys often served as advisor and confidant to Stayton’s young people. Many commented on her knowledge of music. Gladys was an avid gardener and was still active until she was about 85. She continued to grow roses and tomatoes in pots until she was in her 90’s. Many family members and friends mourn her. A private memorial service will be held at Wisner Cemetery on Wednesday March 7th at 2 pm.