Natalie Schradle

SUBLIMITY - Natalie was born on April 8, 1922 to Early and Alta (Brown) Phillips in Jordan, Oregon, near Thomas Creek east of Scio. Her family moved to Scio in 1927 and she attended Scio public schools, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She grew up in a time when small-town children all knew each other and played together around town, and some of her great childhood friendships lasted her lifetime. Natalie loved the verdant Willamette Valley and lived almost all of her life there. She attended Capital Business College in Salem and followed a secretarial career in health care and social services. She served in the Navy during WW II stationed at the Oakland Naval Base. She married Melvin Schradle, also of Scio, in 1948. They lived briefly in Portland and then for many years resided in Salem where they raised their children, daughter Susan born in 1949 and son Philip born in 1952. In retirement they moved to Stayton and remained close to friends and family. Melvin preceded Natalie in death in 2010 after celebrating 61 years of marriage. Natalie was an ever vibrant and delightful person for 96 years, and she died peacefully on November 26, 2018. Natalie was a fourth generation Oregonian, descendant of Phillips and Shelton family wagon train pioneers. Her family settled in the Scio area and her connections there ran deep. Her father served as the Postmaster in Scio for 25 years, and she was connected to the Czech community there through her marriage to Melvin. Natalie had a lifelong passion for bridge and spent many enjoyable hours playing with friends. Her bridge partners were wonderful, lifetime friends. All of us who knew Natalie were embraced within her kind, gentle and caring spirit. She was genuinely interested in others and had deep and caring relationships with many. Above all else, she cherished her family, and we were all the lucky beneficiaries of her constantly loving support. We were fortunate to have conversations with her until the very end of her life which were meaningful, intellectually stimulating, and immensely enjoyable. We will miss those forever. Natalie was preceded in death by her mother, step-mother, father, brother and husband. She is survived by her daughter Susan Schradle and grandchildren Sonia Schmanski and Nick Schmanski of Portland, son Philip Schradle (Gail Gredler) of Salem, grandson Nathan Schradle (Natalia) of Virginia Beach, VA and granddaughter Mara Schradle of Whitefish, MT. The family is grateful to the wonderful staff at McKillop Residence at Marian Estates and Hospice Care of the Northwest whose compassionate attention helped ensure that Natalie’s final days were filled with care and comfort. There will be private interment services at Franklin Butte Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice Care of the Northwest. A Memorial Service will be held on January 26, 2018 at 12pm in Weddle Funeral Service.