Kaye Francis Conklin, 78, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Saturday, May 9. She was born May 23, 1936; the daughter of Howard Francisco and Helen Verna Dietrick in McDonough, New York.

She grew up in New York, and then, as a Navy wife, traveled with her husband, Richard David Conklin, before settling in California. They later divorced.

She moved to Oregon, living in Myrtle Creek and Brownsville, to be closer to family.

Mrs. Conklin was a certified nurse’s assistant. Later in life, she worked at the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce. She moved to Sweet Home in 1980 to be closer to work.

She enjoyed reading, doing crafts, and decorating. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Elks and Elkettes.

Mrs. Conklin was a hard worker. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who forged a special bond with surviving grandson, Khristofor Gage Conklin. He said she loved him and took care of him.

Mrs. Conklin is survived by: daughters Hellen Lucille Chaffin, Jo Ann Cornellis, and Cathy Kim Conklin; grandson Khristofor Gage Conklin; and many other grandchildren.

No services are planned. Memorial donations to help with final arrangement expenses may be made in care of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.