Lorene Clester, age 77, of Sweet Home passed away Wednesday. She was born in Byers, Colorado to William Ray and Winnie Fern (Boyd) Ridinger.

Lorene lived in Walnut Creek, California and moved to Brownsville as a child, and later met and married Pleasant Merrill Whitney Jr., October 1947. She had three children. She later divorced Pleasant and then married Charles Arthur “Art” Clester April 19, 1969.

Lorene was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader and was very supportive of her children. She made sure her children learned musical instruments. She was a great cook and made wonderful pies at Holiday time. She is survived by children, Merrill Anne Gallagher and husband, Frank, of Sweet Home, Michael Whitney and Kathleen of Eugene, Patrick Whitney of Sweet Home, Bonita and Gene Lynn of Dallas, and Lonnie and Shawn Clester of Portland; siblings, Bruce and Judy Ridinger; sisters, Margaret and husband, Loren Thornton, and Mary Edna Warren; grandchildren, David, Melissa, Mary, Joshua, Amanda, Hannah, Rebecca, Katie, Sarah, Kevin, Wendy, Steven, Darla, Nate, and Phil; and 15 great grandchildren.

Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Art Clester; one brother; one sister; and one grandchild.

Contributions can be made to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Oaks Rehabilitation for their love and care. Memorial service will take place at 3:00 pm December 1st at the Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.