Geneva Olive Schram

Dede Schram, 88, passed away July 12, 2026, after a brief illness. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was smart, witty, sassy, and sometimes even-tempered.

Dede was born on September 19, 1937, on her grandparents' farm on the Owyhee River near Adrian, Oregon. She was the youngest of four children and was named Geneva Olive after two favorite aunts. Her brother gave her the nickname "Dede," and it stuck. Her parents, Howard Connaughy and Gladys McGinnis Connaughy, raised Dede and her two older sisters and brother on their farm in Adrian. She grew up a tomboy—riding horses, milking cows, hunting, and doing most everything outside. Little did she imagine that she would grow up to be a wonderful homemaker, excelling as both a cook and a seamstress.

Dede graduated from Adrian High School and then worked at the Extension Service in Ontario. She met and married John Schram in Ontario in 1956, and they began farming and raising their family. Those were busy years for the young couple as they had four children in four and a half years. Dede spent her early years as a mom and homemaker but also worked part-time for a newspaper and as a secretary. She spent many years as a 4-H leader. Later, she worked as a school secretary, a medical transcriptionist, and managed the Malheur County Fair.

Dede was an avid reader and an excellent writer and editor. She loved reading and reciting poetry. Her children were raised as readers and were strongly encouraged to learn poetry. She loved all sports, but baseball was her favorite. She grew up a Yankees fan, but when the Mariners franchise began, she found her favorite team for life. Dede spent many hours watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports. Later in life, she fell in love with golf and continued playing for the rest of her life. She enjoyed playing with family and friends and was active in the Ontario Ladies Golf Association.

Dede was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her sister, Colleen; and her brother, Jimmy.

She is survived by her sister, Molly; her children, John (Ann Marie), Jim (Kathleen), Chris (Michele), and Stephanie (Tony); nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special niece, Janie.

A private family Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ontario.

Memorial contributions in Dede's honor may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, where she volunteered.

Dede's family expresses their deep gratitude for the support and condolences of friends and loved ones during this time.