Obituary: Analea Klampe, age 87, The Dalles
Analea Klampe, age 87, known by those close to her as Lee, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, in The Dalles OR, surrounded by family.
Analea was born in Missoula, Montana on September 14, 1936, the second daughter of Genevieve “Jenny” Helen Brown (Johnston) and Floyd “Duke” Stillman Brown. Her father referred to Analea as Sis, a nickname as well as a role she enjoyed.
Analea became a Christian as a young child and attended the Baptist church with her family all her life. Faith and trust in her Lord Jesus Christ sustained Analea through many challenging circumstances.
Analea moved from Montana to Oregon with family and was raised in Pendleton until age 16. Analea had an affinity for music and played the violin, piano and French horn, often as her favorite hymns. High school years after Pendleton included attending Laurelwood Academy, then Salem High School where Analea graduated in 1954. After completing dental assistant college in Seattle WA with two best friends, Analea began her career and her first marriage.
Analea’s marriage to Norman Espe was blessed with three children. Her career was paused during their young years, then resumed in Salem. Analea worked for the State of Oregon in dental offices at the Oregon State Hospital and Oregon prison system.
Analea married Darrell Klampe and celebrated 51 years together. After moving to The Dalles in 1972, Analea worked for dentists Dr. Donald Carpenter, Dr. Dennis Macnab, and Dr. Raymond Koch.
Analea was sweet and caring. A theme throughout Analea’s life was her dedication to family. Analea adored being a big sister to three siblings. Becoming a mother to her own three children was a dream come true for Analea. Then stepchildren, nieces, nephew, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, and Aunt Analea/Grandma Lee expanded her time and love to all.
Staying fit and active was important to Analea. Water-aerobics and going to the gym were regular activities. Hiking, swimming, and camping at Crooked River Ranch with her husband, children and grandchildren was an annual tradition. Among Analea’s favorite pastimes were sewing, knitting, rose gardening and traveling with the Good Sam RV club. In 1987 Analea started a children’s clothing business, Togs for Tots that she continued until retiring.
Analea enjoyed her retirement with more traveling, often with friends and family. Many adventures were had as a RV snowbird and owning a second home in Arizona. Visits with Analea’s extended family in Montana and elsewhere were a priority. Memorable family cruises to Alaska occurred for milestone birthdays. Other trips were made across the country and abroad to explore the world as well as family genealogy. Along the way Analea confirmed her paternal Scottish lineage to the Clan Kerr of Ferniehirst and met more of the Kerr family.
Preceding Analea in death were her older sister Mary Lou Brown, who passed away from illness the day after Analea was born, her brother Larry Brown, her mother, her father, her stepfather Ervan Wilbur.
Analea is survived by her husband Darrell, sister Marla Greene, Bend OR, brother Ronald Wilbur, Canyon Lake, CA, daughters Keri Day, Beaverton, OR, and Kristi Ashley, Woodland, WA, son, Rodney Espe, Hood River, OR, stepdaughter, Lorraine Harris, The Dalles, OR, stepson Ronald Klampe, Florence OR, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Analea’s life will be held April 6, 2024, 2:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 3350 Columbia View Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
