Zelpha Adelaide (Beach) Spencer

Zelpha Adelaide (Beach) Spencer, 105, of Morro Bay, Calif., and formerly of Union and Wallowa Counties, died June 6.

Zelpha's ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean in accordance with her wishes.

Zelpha was born on October 20, 1901, to William Joseph Beach and Delira Ruvilla Carpenter Beach on their ranch home in Paradise. She was the youngest of six children, and the only one to be born in Wallowa County. Her birthplace-the William J. Beach Century Farm-is still in the family after 116 years.

Zelpha grew up on the ranch in Paradise, and when her father retired from ranching in 1918 she moved with her family to Union where she graduated from high school in 1921. She attended Oregon Normal School in Monmouth and received her teaching degree. She taught school for one year in Cove and the next year in Joseph.

Zelpha married Gerald E. Spencer on June 29, 1924 and they moved to Wenatchee, Wash., where they owned a ladies shoe store, Spencer's Bootery, for 32 years. In 1968 the couple retired to Daisy Hill Estates in Los Osos, Calif., and they lived there the rest of their lives. They were married 74 years when Gerald died on July 27, 1998.

Zelpha had many wonderful memories of growing up on the ranch in Northeast Oregon, and talked of it often. She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Los Osos.

Zelpha moved to L&M Southbay Maxicare assisted living in late 1998, and lived there until her death.

Zelpha is survived by one nephew, Norman (Sam) Beach of Enterprise and by numerous descendents of her siblings, extending to great-great-great nieces and great-great-nephews.