Glenna Ilene Radford

Our precious mother, Glenna Ilene (Speer) Radford, went to sleep in Jesus on Wednesday morning, May 29, 2019 at Royale Gardens Care facility in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Glenna was the only child born to adoring parents, Frank and Ella Speer. There was no hospital 89 years ago in the small farming town of Rupert, Idaho, so baby Glenna made her first, official debut by coming into this world at the local Nursing Home on February 11, 1930 at 5:39 p.m.; much to the excitement of the residents.

Glenna attended elementary school in Paul, Idaho, where she began playing the violin at age 7. Her parents, astounded by her natural talent, drove her to the town of Caldwell once a week to receive private instruction with violin professor Samuel Hungerford at the College of Idaho. At age 10, her parents moved to Parma, Idaho where she was invited to play 2nd violin in the local high school orchestra. While in High School she enjoyed being Junior Carnival Queen, Bowl Princess, and a Cheerleader, but playing her violin was always her first love. She attended the C. of I. on a full scholarship and was Concert Mistress of the College orchestra. Majoring in Music with a minor in Religion, Glenna graduated with a BA in 1951. During her Junior year she met and married fellow C. of I. student, Richard Radford, who was also a gifted musician. After college Glenna and Richard moved often, but stayed busy teaching private music lessons, performing with symphony orchestras, and directing various choirs in Idaho, California, and Oregon. Three children were born to the musical couple during the first seven years of their union. Their marriage lasted thirteen years.

Moving forward, Glenna continued her studies taking classes in Education, Psychology, and Music at Portland State University and Walla Walla College (University) in Washington. Teaching Music became (and has remained) her passion for decades. She devoted her life to giving private lessons at Pacific Union Grade School & Jr. High in Portland, Ore., teaching voice at Southern Oregon College, directing school choirs at Rogers Elementary School in Washington, and teaching violin and voice lessons at Walla Walla Valley Academy and Walla Walla College. She continued to perform with the W.W.C. Orchestra, and was always a gracious and graceful soloist, willing to share her gift of music whenever asked, whether playing the violin or singing with the voice of an angel.

Glenna became a devout Seventh-Day-Adventist in 1961 and had a keen interest in Medical Missionary work. Wanting to help people find better ways to improve their health through diet, exercise, natural remedies, faith, etc., she attended the Eden Valley Institute in Loveland, Colorado. While there, she learned the history and development of “Self-supporting Schools” … and a new passion was born. She was happy there and decided to stay and work in the office, the kitchen, directing the choir … wherever she was needed; always eager to share “The Health Message” with anyone who would listen.

For the last 30 years she made Southern Oregon her home. She was instrumental in starting the North Valley S.D.A. Church in Merlin, Ore. She loved the Grants Pass area and over the years has developed deep, meaningful friendships with so many wonderful people. As her daughter, I am truly thankful for each and every one of you!

Glenna is survived by:
Her son, Michael Radford of Seattle, Washington
Her daughter, Deann Radford Rudig of Billings, Montana
Her daughter, Valerie Radford Hoffman of Nampa, Idaho
Nine (9) Grandchildren
Seventeen (17) Great-Grandchildren
One (1) Great-Great-Grandchild

She was preceded in death by:
Her Granddaughter Emily Rudig VanCleave
Her Great-Grandson Phillip VanCleave

Her incredible gift of music, her gentle spirit, her little giggle, her passion for studying and sharing God’s Word and her love for Jesus, have been an inspiration to countless souls! How blessed we have been to have had her in our lives!

These short little verses found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 were some of her favorites: “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Sleep sweet until Jesus comes, dear Momma. Oh, what MUSIC there will be! …. throughout ETERNITY!!

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: the “H and S Shull Irrevocable Family Trust”, established at Umpqua Bank.

The family of Glenna Radford acknowledges with sincere appreciation all of your prayers, comforting messages, tributes, and other expressions of kindness during this time of bereavement. May God bless each and every one of you.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Sunday, July 7, 2019 at the North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 101 Acorn Street, Merlin OR 97532.