Obituary: Allie Pounders, 91, Hood River
Allie Pounders passed away on March 8, 2023, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. She was 91 years old. She was born on September 16, 1931.
She was born into the poverty of the south in Adamsville, Tennessee after the depression created a harsh environment for her younger years. I remember the stories she used to tell us of growing vegetables and picking cotton at a young age and the shortages during WW2, cleaning mussels from the Tennessee River to sell to a button factory. She left school before finishing to help support her family.
She married Cecil Pounders in 1946 after he returned from the war and the first of 5 sons came in 1947. They moved to South Bend, Indiana to pursue employment in 1949.
Through the years came 4 more sons, “Bud” the third son was born with severe special needs and some physical issues. The doctors said he would not live more than a few years due to his medical problems. We would travel to Indianapolis on many occasions for surgeries. We remember the story of mom having him sleep in a dresser drawer next to her bed so he could be close, feeding him with an eyedropper and also being resuscitated by a friend when he suddenly stopped breathing. All this made her more determined to do whatever it took to pull him through his early years. Bud is now 70 years old and has always been an integral member of the family and lived at home. Around 1961 the family moved to Oregon and settled in Hood River.
Allie went to work as a nurse aide at the Neighbors of Woodcraft home which 10-12 years later became Columbia Gorge Hotel. The nursing home relocated to Gresham but Allie and Cecil wanted to stay in Hood River. She later worked in packing houses and the cannery downtown for s period of time.
She later got involved in Special Olympics and events for the developmentally disabled community in Hood River and The Dalles. She rarely missed any competitions whether it be bowling, dancing, picnics, special events or just get-togethers for many years. When Cecil passed in the ‘90s, she settled into her new habit of yard sales every week, she loved doing it and made many friends that way.
She loved having her sons, Chuck, Jim, Ed and Joe and their families for the holidays or weekend visits. This resulted in very large meals and lots of doting on grandchildren. She always said that her daughter–in–laws were the girls she never had. She was a loving compassionate person, wise beyond her years and education who accomplished things that we all were amazed by. She made us all better people and we were raised by unity, respect and loyalty to family.
She was a wonderful person with the best heart and determination that you could know and we will miss her dearly and strive to honor her life and memories.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 17, at Idlewilde Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
