Nyria Withers, 92, passed away May 8 in Aumsville. She was born June 6, 1923, in Walberswick, Suffolk, England, and grew up in the United Kingdom.

Nyria moved to Burns in 1947, to Pendleton in 1983, and settled in Aumsville in 1998. She met her husband during World War II, while serving as an RN. She was married to Lt. Col. USAF Harry A. Withers, Jr. on April 27, 1947, in Springfield. They made their home on the family cattle ranch in Burns, where they raised their four children.

Nyria always put her family before herself and had an enormous amount of humility. A devoted grandmother to seven, she made each feel like they were her one and only. She embraced her life and had a one of a kind sense of humor, never deterred from sharing her opinions or beliefs. Although she often spoke seriously about WWII, she had humor in sharing her childhood and past ranch-life experiences. Generous and kind, she was always warm and inviting, and taking care of those around her.

Nyria was an avid reader and a PBS English mystery connoisseur, especially during the rainy Oregon springtime. She was an adventurous cook, willing to try new recipes, and would call to share good ones for others to try. She loved making food for others, notably biscotti. She absolutely loved tea, seafood, lemon drops, broad beans, brown bread, cookies (especially ginger), sherry, Marmite, and Nutella (not necessarily in that order). She enjoyed many trips to the beach, like she did as a child. She cherished trips to visit family, to the Caribbean, to Mexico, and to islands off the coast of Washington.

Her gardens were absolutely gorgeous, where she spent most of her time. She was always willing to try growing something new each year, and could never have enough plants. She returned to school to train as a florist in 1968, and pursued this vocation for 25 years. She painted ceramics and canvas on and off throughout her life, which she shared with those around her. She loved cats and always had a dog by her side to keep her company. She loved staying up late and getting up early. She was truly one of a kind who will be dearly missed and is greatly loved.

During her life, she was a member of the Episcopal Church, Daughters of the Nile, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Nyria is survived by daughters, Dawn (Dennis) Frank of Aumsville, Gail (Bill) Schneider of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Jennifer (Rick) Cromwell of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, on Aug. 4, 1981; and her son, Ian Tozer Withers on Jan. 28, 2010.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Serving the family, North Santiam Funeral Service in Stayton.