Harriet Martha Skoog-Belnap (Lavenik)

KEIZER - Harriet Martha Skoog-Belnap was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on January 27, 1931 to Michael and Martha Lavenik. She was the sixth of six children. She died peacefully at home in Keizer, Oregon on May 13, 2013 due to complications following a stroke.

Harriet married her high school sweetheart Vernon E. Skoog on March 18, 1950. They shared 36 years of marriage, family and careers before Vernon died January 4, 1987.

Harriet attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Klamath Falls. She attended both Seattle University and Klamath Business College. Harriet worked as a legal secretary for several years. She began her long illustrious career in 1958 with the State of Oregon beginning with the Highway Department. In 1961, Harriet's career shifted to the legislature and she worked as an Administrative Assistant to Senator Debbs Potts. Harriet retired from the Oregon State Lottery as an Executive Assistant for External Affairs in 1987.

Music was an integral part of Harriet's life, one of her greatest passions. She sang on the radio in her youth and played the piano and cello. She was involved in the music ministries at Church where she sang in the choir for several decades. She also sang in the Salem Community Chorus where she met her second husband Ralph Belnap. They were married September 23, 1989, shared 14 years of marriage before Ralph died of cancer July 30, 2003. Harriet shared with him their love of golf, friends, family and travel.

The last decade of Harriet's life was filled with dedication to her volunteer ministries at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Keizer Community Food Bank and Salem Hospital where she worked on the oncology floor. She was a woman of great Faith and she lived her Christian faith with open arms and an open heart.

Harriet lived for laughter and knew how to use it to bring smiles to the faces of all who knew her. Her quick wit, smile and contagious laughter will forever echo in our hearts.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husbands Vernon E. Skoog, Ralph Belnap, son Vernon M. Skoog, her four sisters, Lorraine Lavenik, Audrey Molatore, Barbara Conlin, Colette Lavenik and her brother Albert Lavenik.

Harriet's greatest joy came from her family with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren being her cherished treasures. She is survived by her son Dr. Steven Skoog, spouse Karen Skoog, daughter-in-law Michelle Laferriere, daughter Kristi L. Skoog , spouse Kirsten Frazer, step-daughter Rachel Belnap, grandchildren and famillies Kari, Darren, & Sawyer Aakre, Peder, Rena, Cora & Erik Skoog, Lara, Mike, Claire & Owen Christianson, Marta & Joel Kretzinger, Grant Skoog, Ilsa Frazer, Kellen Frazer and step-granddaughter Katie Belnap.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Keizer, Oregon on Friday, May 24th at 1:30 PM with a gathering in the parish hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Edward Capital Campaign in Harriet's name or to a charity of your choice . A Presiders Chair (Father's Chair) for the new Church will be dedicated in her name with the contributions to her memorial. Arrangements are by Keizer Funeral Chapel.