Pauline Evelyn (Ryason) Morton Freeman died Sunday, July 17, 2016, in Spokane. She was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Joseph, Ore., the second of three girls, to Benjamin and Nina (Miller) Ryason. She was the granddaughter of Ole and Bengta (Nelson) Miller, early settlers on Prairie Creek in Joseph.

Most of her young life was spent in Joseph. She liked doing everything "outdoors." She said her dad, Ben, commented that, "She is the best boy I ever had!" Throughout her life, she enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. As an adult, she canned much of what she caught and grew.

Pauline was an excellent student, athlete and loved to dance. When asked which dances she liked she said, "All of them!" She lettered in both basketball and volleyball. She had certificates of academic excellence from Joseph High School with a 4.0. In her senior year, she moved with her family to Hermiston, Ore., where she graduated in May 1942.

After graduation, Pauline moved to Yakima, where she shared an apartment with her cousin, Mary Ryason. They both worked in the cannery, until Pauline moved to Vancouver, Wash., in July of 1942. She worked in the Portland shipyards for four years as a welder and was learning to use the acetylene torch when the war ended. Pauline said, "They had to shut the war down to get rid of me." She really liked that job, an original "Rosie the Riveter."

She married Earl Morton in 1946. Her family included Earl's son, Jimmy Morton. Together, Earl and Pauline built their own house in Mapleton, Ore. They were divorced in 1972. Earl died in 1988.

Pauline married Glen Freeman in 1986. Glen's son, Glen Freeman Jr., joined the family. They lived in Cornelius, Ore. After his death on Oct. 24, 1990, Pauline moved to Pomeroy to be closer to her sister, Virginia.

She retired from Tektronix in Beaverton, Ore., after working for the company for 20 years.

Pauline was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Cornelius, Ore., and Pomeroy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Olga and Virginia; brother Paul; and her husband, Glen.

Pauline is survived by her stepsons, Jimmy Morton and Glen Freeman Jr.; nieces Carol Scheurich, Tanya Kinser and Maridee Symons; nephews Dennis Scott, John Pullman, Mike Pullman and Tony Pullman; and many great-nieces and -nephews.

Pauline was a loving sister, wife, mother and aunt. Gone but never forgotten.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 12, 2016, at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Pataha Flower Mill Ministry in Pomeroy.