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a focus on two majors,
Accounting and Sociology in
3.5 years. After graduation,
in June 1968, I returned to
Portland to continue working
in the Finance and Forestry
Departments of BIA.
Returning to BIA was
a blessing. Soon after
our return to Portland,
Gerald and I divorced. Our
failed marriage led me to
a Christian Counseling
Program as I adjusted to a
new life as a single mother
Loretta and Les at a Marylhurst Toastmasters Meeting - pre-Covid 2020
with two daughters. I found
peace. humility. forgiveness, Christian School in Aloha, Oregon. He taught
and the capacity to love again. We remained Shawn many ways to enjoy life. For Shawn’s
on friendly terms for the benefit of Sherol and spending money, he memorized and stated
Karen until his death at age 62. the Old and New Testaments of the Bible for a
In October 1971, I met and married George dollar. Our belief and practice were: “A family
Robert Schwarz (Bob) in Falls Church, that prayed together stayed together!” Due to
Virginia. Bob was serving his Internship in the our strong Christian values, we enjoyed a loving
National Safety Management Program for the married life of 45 years. Bob passed away on
Department of Interior. I transferred from BIA June 3, 2016 at the age of 91.
Portland Forestry Department to BIA Personnel Shawn graduated from the University
Department in Washington, DC. After a year, of Oklahoma (OU) in 1999 with dental and
we both returned to Portland and our respective accounting majors. He works for Bonneville
jobs. On August 26, 1972. son Shawn was born. Power Administration’s Accounting Department.
We were now the parents to five children. Bob He has settled in Roanoke, Virginia with his
was father to two daughters, Katherine 13 and wife and four children.
Rebecca 8. In September 1978, an Accountant position
Bob retired at age 54 to manage a five-acre opened in the Portland office of the Indian
Christmas tree farm in Cornelius, Oregon. I Health Service. I applied and was hired to
commuted to work from the Christmas tree establish an Accounting Branch under the
farm. Bob became a full-time dad to 5-year-old Department of Health and Human Services
Shawn. He drove him every day to Faith Bible Accounting System. I managed a staff of
VOICES! | FEBRUARY 2022 9