Wall of Honor

Ethyle Eileen O'Neal

1928-2007

Ethyle Eileen O'NeaI passed away March 21,2007 surrounded by her family. She was 78 years old. Ethyle was born in Portland on April 1, 1928 to Waiter and Grace Kremers. She attended Holy Redeemer and graduated from Franklin High School in 1946. At the age of 14, she was amongst the first Jefferson High School students to join the Civil Air Patrol. After rescuing a 15-month old baby single-handedly and aiding in the rescue of four other children during the Vanport flood, May 30, 1948, she received the highest award available in the CAP, The Distinguished Service Award for Heroism.

In 1949 Ethyle joined the Air Force where she met her husband Theodore O'Neal. She worked as a lab technician. Ethyle and Ted had four children.

Ethyle rejoined the Civil Air Patrol in 1976 where she enjoyed 30 more years of service as a Wing Director/Cadet Programs. She was also the Commanding Officer of the Oregon City Squadron. She loved teaching the cadets about Search and Rescue, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Leadership. Along with dozens of achievement awards, Ethvie received her Lifethne Ser Award as aLn Co on 'ia 4 2005. Some other s u is m d a the Ebugreen Aviation Museum . She was loved, respected, and admired by all

Ethyle was employed at Laidlaw Transit for 13 years. She provided school bus transportation for children with special needs. Ethyle loved her family, her cadets, all sports, bingo, cats, music, and flowers. She most recently lived at Laurelhurst Village in SE Portland where she was treated with tender loving care.

Ethyle is survived by her four chil dren; Timothy (Kathy Jo), Kenneth (Ngocnu Thi Van), Kathleen Hartman (Rick), Susan Wade (Rick); ten grand children; and eight great-grandchil dren. She leaves behind her brothers; Frank (Phyllis) and Joe; and numerous nieces and nephews.