Laurene Lou Sallee

Laurene Lou Sallee, born February 16, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Marietta Cross-Hayzlett and Andrew Hayzlett, passed peacefully on September 21, 2024.

Laurene’s family moved to The Dalles around 1949, where she graduated from The Dalles High School in 1954. In 1970, she married Bill Sallee, the love of her life, and together they shared 54 wonderful years. While raising her four children, Laurene balanced various jobs and activities, though her true passion lay in caring for her family.

A dedicated gardener, Laurene spent countless hours cultivating her garden, experimenting with different plants and landscaping ideas. Her beautiful garden was featured in a local garden tour, a proud moment for her. Laurene also had a knack for creating beautiful flower arrangements, once transforming the woodshed into a flower shed where she sold dried arrangements and rustic benches made by Bill.

Family was at the heart of Laurene’s life. She loved hosting gatherings, holidays, and celebrations, cherishing the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family, including her brothers and the many reunions with the Hayzlett and Sallee families. She also had a special fondness for the Oregon Coast, where countless joyful memories were made.

Laurene loved to travel. Her and Bill went on many road trip adventures across the United States and Canada, often meeting up with her best friend, Dawn Galliano, and her husband, Bruno, along the way.

She is survived by her four children: son Paul Sallee and daughters Tina (Brett) Kaseberg, Dawn (Jeff) Sallee-Justesen, and Nancy Sallee; her grandchildren Stephanie, Stacey, Casey, Cody, Corin, Shelby, Hollee, Maggie, Hunter, Nathan, and Lilly; ten amazing great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Laurene was preceded in death by her brothers Dick, Roland, Wesley, Winston, and Frank; her parents; her grandson William Justesen; and her cherished friend Dawn Galliano.

A memorial gathering will be held on October 4th at 1 PM at the Bargeway Pub Event Space.