Delores (Pappin) Christiansen, 86, of Oakridge, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief decline in health. Delores “DeDe” was born on April 6, 1938, in Sweet Home to parents Floyd Pappin (a minister) and Beatrice (Yandell) Pappin (a nurse). She was a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, and she proudly celebrated her Native American heritage in a sacred naming ceremony in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Delores was one of four children and was extremely close with her siblings throughout her lifetime. Her grandmother and her adult children migrated from the reservation in Oklahoma and settled in Sweet Home.

After graduating from High School, Delores married her grade school sweetheart, Deryl R. Christiansen “Red”. During their marriage Delores and Deryl were active in churches throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Delores played the piano and organ and frequently sang with Deryl in church. They remained married for 50+ years until Deryl’s death in 2007.

Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Her children adored her, and she was a wonderful, loving parent. Delores treasured flowers, reading, music, and spending time with her extended family. Delores is remembered by all as a kind and caring individual who was fun-loving, prone to acting silly, easy to laugh, and a joyful person. She and her sisters loved planting and tending flowers together. DeDe and her sister, Theda, were often seen sitting side by side beading and making beautiful jewelry. Delores was a strong, independent woman best known for her love of Jesus Christ. Her zest for life and her Godly spirit made Delores a delight to be around.

She is survived by her son, Deryl A. Christiansen (Glenda Frahm) of Oakridge, Oregon, and her daughter, Diane Hirt (Kelly Hirt) and grandson (Riley Hirt) of Snoqualmie, WA, and her sister Alma Jean Roberts of Eugene, Oregon. She is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Pappin, her sister, Theda Escobar and well as her nephews, Courtland Pappin and Eric Escobar.

Delores will be laid to rest at Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home. Please join us in celebrating Delores’ life and legacy. She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.