Betty Marlena (Shahan) Gregory

Betty “Marlena” Gregory (Shahan), 85, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away peacefully the morning of October 8, 2025. Born on May, 17, 1940, in Spokane, Washington, to Gerald and Mabel Shahan. Marlena was raised on her family’s farm in Oakesdale, Washington, among the rolling wheat fields she cherished throughout her life.

On July 31, 1959, she married her husband, Gary R. Gregory, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Together they moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon where they eventually started their family with their two children, Brian and Kathy. In 1972, Marlena and her husband Gary established Gary’s Foreign Cars and Repair from the ground up before the area saw much development. The building remains to this day, and has been a restaurant for many years. 1976, they purchased their first new home where they lived for the remainder of both their lives.

After retirement from the Repair Shop, Marlena worked as a Bank Teller at First Interstate Bank- later Wells Fargo- where she was known for her warm smile, reliability, and the lifelong friendships she formed with both coworkers and customers. She was also an active member in the American Legion Auxiliary and the La Societe de Femme Cabane 222 Klamath Falls and proudly sponsored OHSU Student Nurses- always giving in quiet, meaningful ways.

Family was the center of her world. She found great joy in caring for her home and especially her grandsons, Cameron and Caleb, who brought immense pride and happiness to her life. Her hobbies included genealogy, tending to her flowers, and maintaining her well-loved lawn.

Marlena was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, in 2012; and by her parents, Gerald and Mabel Shahan.

She is survived by her Son, Brian C. Gregory, Daughter and Son-in-Law, Kathy and Jeff Chudoba; Grandsons, Cameron and Caleb Shadley; Sister, Beverly Wohlers; Brother, Gerald Shahan; longtime friend, Gudrun Stroud; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Marlena’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and strength. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, and her deep ties to the community.

A Memorial Service will be held at Davenport’s Chapel on Memorial Drive in Klamath Falls on Friday October 24, 2025 at 1:00pm and a reception with light food and beverages immediately to follow at Running Y Ranch- Juniper Hall.

“Greatly loved- deeply missed”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Marlena (Shahan) Gregory, please visit our floral store.