Della Myrtle Gawler

Della Myrtle Gawler passed away on Tuesday, March 20th at the age of 93. She was born with her twin brother, Douglas, on November 3, 1918 to parents Ernest and Myrtle Rice of Rice Creek near Dillard, Oregon. The Rice family settled in the Dillard area in 1853 as early pioneers. Della attended Roseburg schools and graduated from high school in 1936. She worked for years as the receptionist for Dr. J. M. Boyles, a local physician. She married Bill Gawler of Roseburg on May 17, 1953. They had one daughter, Roxann. Bill passed away in 1987. Della had a powerful devotion to her family and siblings. She enjoyed talking with family and friends on the phone, growing flowers, crocheting, and watching the birds at her birdfeeders. She was a member of the Melrose Community Church where she had many wonderful friends over the years. There she was active in a ladies' Bible Study and was a helper in AWANA, both for many years. She also attended a ladies' Bible Study at Roseburg Alliance Church for several years before she became ill and found some very dear friends who blessed her final years with love. She is survived by her daughter Roxann and husband Tom Ellis, grandchildren Joyanna Ellis-Bezdek and her husband Eric, Ryan Ellis, and Melinda Clute and her husband Harrison. She had four great-grandsons, Nick Ellis, Max and Jake Bezdek, and River Clute, all of Roseburg. Surviving her also is her dear sister-in-law, Joy O'Neil. Della was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Margaret Smiley of Reedsport, Harrison Rice of Dillard, Ethel Weikel of Harrisburg, Oregon, Wao Burt Sevier of Roseburg, and her beloved twin brother, Douglas, who passed away in June of 2011. One sister survives her, Eva Wilkinson of Roseburg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 27th at 11:00 at the Melrose Community Church with Pastor Mike Ruyle officiating. Private interment will be held at the Sanctuary of Rest at Roseburg Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to AWANA at Melrose Community Church. Wilson's Chapel of the Roses is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit website at wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com.