Anna Mae Tamplen passed away peacefully in Klamath Falls, Ore., on Sept. 9, 2015, surrounded by loving family members.

Anna (Big Grandma, her little grandchildren couldn't remember Great Grandma) was born May 9, 1923, the second of three daughters born to Rose and Orville Frazee in Union Town, Pa. After marriage and becoming a single mother, Anna moved with her children to San Bernardino, Calif., a place she called home for nearly 50 years.

Anna worked in the retail business for decades, often holding down two jobs at a time. She enjoyed any activity that resulted in having lots of people around, especially her family. She loved hosting barbecues in her backyard and her philosophy was always "The more the merrier!"

Fiercely independent, she possessed a nomad's spirit and loved to travel and, although she visited far-off lands, her idea of real fun was a road trip with friends or family in her minivan. From Pennsylvania to Texas and Wyoming, she was always up for an adventure. In her 80s and living near her son and daughter in Klamath Falls, she would get on the city bus early in the morning and ride the entire route, sometimes twice, greeting old friends and making new ones along the way.

Anna will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family and friends, her quick wit, her stubbornness, her generosity, her love for the Lord Jesus Christ and her appreciation for a heaping plate of fried chicken!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David Richard Tamplen; her sister, Betty Dardzinski; and her lifelong friend and partner in mischief, Shirley Baldwin.

Survivors include her sister, Helen Sullivan; her son, Dr. William Tamplen (Cheryl) and daughters, Sandra Highland (Mike), both of Klamath Falls, and Linda Botts of Homestead, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Her family would like to thank the staff at Marquis Residential Care Home at Plum Ridge for their many kindnesses and the sweet love they showed Anna during the five years she resided there; their compassion, even in death, will not soon be forgotten. Also, to High Desert Community Hospice for their gracious and kind treatment of Anna and the family.

There will be no memorial service. A family gathering is scheduled for November in Southern California.

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to High Desert Hospice, 2210 Shallock Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97601.

Herald and News - Sep. 16, 2015.