Bernice Eilene McClellan's Obituary
Bernice Eilene McClellan was born in Pendleton, Oregon on June 4, 1938 to Clarence and Rhea Royer. Bernice passed away at age 87 on January 31 in West Jordan, Utah. She previously lived in Winston, Oregon for 53 years.
Bernice graduated from Pendleton HS in 1956 before attending the University of Oregon where she met her future husband James (Jim) McClellan while washing dishes in the campus kitchen. They were married on December 27, 1958.
Their children (Tom and Barbara) were born spring of 1960 and summer 1961. The family lived in Glendale for eight years where Bernice applied her talents to canning fruits and vegetables, sewing many articles of clothing, and leading 4-H groups. She attended and taught classes at the county extension office.
The family moved to Winston in 1971. Jim and Bernice attended hundreds of choir/band concerts, piano recitals, home and away sporting events, and other activities to support their children. Bernice volunteered as a tour guide at The Wildlife Safari and later worked as Executive Assistant and Marketing Director. Her favorite travels included a safari in Africa and a trip to Australia.
Jim and Bernice opened a small business (B&J Data Service) in the mid-‘80s to assist local businesses and nonprofits with marketing, newsletters, technology, and bookkeeping. Bernice volunteered at the Visitor Center, Chamber of Commerce, Roseburg Altrusa, Melon Festival, and other groups. She worked for 34 years at the Winston Area Food Pantry on its board and as a volunteer. She advocated for the less fortunate, and obtained grants and numerous food and monetary donations from local residents and stores.
Jim and Bernice were named “Co-First Citizens” in 1989 for their tireless service to the Winston community. Bernice continued to volunteer her time and talents into her later years, and embodied the motto of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Bernice moved into The Landing assisted living in August 2024, and then Sunridge (UT) in October 2025. She passed with many friends and loving family present in her final days. She is survived by her son (Tom/Leanne); daughter (Barb); sister-in-law (Kathleen); three grandsons Mark (Kristen), Scott (Melanie), Andrew; five great-grandkids (Emily, Olivia, Luke, Charlie, Reese); and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband.
In lieu of flowers, please donate “in memory of Bernice McClellan” to either Winston Area Food Pantry (121 Gregory Drive, Winston OR 97496) or Mountain Vista United Methodist Church (8931 S 3200 W, West Jordan, UT 84088). A memorial service will be held at Mountain Vista on Saturday, February 21 at 2:30pm. A grave-side service will be held in Winston for family and close friends.
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