Orpha Ferol Lepper

Orpha Lepper passed away on Sunday, May 14 at Timberwood Court in Albany.
Orpha was born on a farm near Madison, Nebraska to Frank and Ruth (Flanagan) Lefavor, the eleventh of 12 children. She grew up on different farms around Battle Creek, Nebraska.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in 1939 at the age of 11 years old. She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1946.
Orpha married Lawrence L. Boydston on June 1, 1947. They had two children; Roger and Marcia. Orpha’s husband died of cancer on August 12, 1953.Orpha moved to LaGrande in 1954, where she finished college, majoring in elementary education at Eastern Oregon College.
While attending college, she met her future husband, Melvin Lepper. They were married on June 24, 1955 in Stanfield. Their son, Dale Douglas Lepper was born on March 21, 1956.
The family moved to Albany in 1960, where they became members of the North Albany Baptist Church. When Dale was an 18 year old high school senior, he died in a car accident on May 10, 1974.
Orpha and Mel both taught school in Stanfield before moving to Albany. During her teaching career, Orpha taught both elementary and junior high levels. She taught for 35 years before retiring.
Orpha loved children. She also really enjoyed music and singing, hosting appreciation luncheons, birthday celebrations and holiday celebrations. She especially loved her family.
Orpha was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence Boydston; her second husband of 61 years, Melivn Lepper; mother and father; son, Dale; and her 11 siblings.
She is survived by a son; daughter; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Donations can be made to North Albany Community Church, 1273 NW West Thornton Lake Drive, Albany, 97321 or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, 4600 Evergreen Street, Albany, 97321.
A memorial service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 26 at the North Albany Community Church, with a reception and light luncheon following.