Aloha Botelho

Aloha (Stringham) Botelho was born in La Grande, Oregon, on February 15,1927, to Edgar P. and Opal R. (Bradshaw) Stringham. She graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1945. In her youth she worked for Charlie Carther at "The Fountain" across from the Red Cross Drugstore on Adams Avenue. She was employed by Bobbie Houston at "Bobbie's Coffee Cup and Drive Inn" prior to the placement of the "Heart and Home" shop.

Aloha married Eldon Davis. Around 1952, they caravanned to southern California with friends Clair and Georgia (Marshall) Doss. Eventually, Aloha and Eldon divorced. Later, Aloha married Antone 'Rocky' Botelho, who served in the military in both World War II and in Korea, earning several medals for his service. He was the past governor of the Downey, California Moose Lodge, as their entertainment chairman, he provided special events. Aloha and Antone 'Rocky' enjoyed dancing and they often drove many miles to follow bands they especially liked. As professional dancers, known as "Poetry in Motion", they were part of the entertainment on a cruise ship.

While living in California, Aloha worked for the Cahn Instrument Co., makers of scientific weighing instruments up to one gram. She said a grain of salt or sugar could be weighed, their motto being "If you can't see it, we can weigh it." Aloha was employed there for thirty years before retiring to care for her husband until his death of diabetes and smoking.

After her husband passed away, she volunteered for the Anaheim Fire Department and the Community Emergency Response Team, centering her help around low income and elderly people. She also was an ambassador for the police department by walking the streets of Disneyland, escorting bus trips, and helping tourists. She also escorted bus trips for the Anaheim Senior Center. She and her walking partner won the grand award from Oregon County Tourism Association in 2004. Aloha felt fortunate to experience being a participant in the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, California, as "Empress Eugena and Ladies of the Court." Aloha was selected as the Empress Eugena. She was also an extra in the movies "Sister Act II" with Whoopie Goldberg and "The Fan" with Robert De Niro. At the Rio Hondo Polio Hospital in Downey, California, she played with the children and read to those in the iron lungs. She and Rocky loved children, treating them in special ways.

As Corresponding Secretary of the Cherokee Mobile Park where she lived, Aloha participated with other renters in purchasing the Park after having rent increase problems, an unusual solution of combining their rent payments. Aloha was the corresponding Secretary, ran the Social Club and started a Disaster Program. In 2015 Aloha drove to Anaheim for the burning of the mortgage, the only surviving member of the formation board.

Aloha was a member of the First Christian Church, the American Legion #43, and the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and sold many of her creations. In 2019, her La Grande High School class celebrated their 74th reunion before disbanding, a highlight in Aloha's life.

Aloha passed away July 9, 2025, in La Grande, Oregon.

Services will be held at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande on Friday, July 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Private burial will be held at the Grandview Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Opal Stringham; her husband Antone; and older sister, Mickey Courtney.

Survivors include a sister, Patricia (Bill) Baird of Pendleton; two grandnieces, Sharman Sams of Pendleton and Kayle Ludvicksen of La Grande; three great-nephews, Sashaan and Mekhi Foreman and Tucker Sams; two cousins, Robert Stringham of Bend, Oregon and Joyce (Stringham) Kline of Salem, Oregon. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion #43 scholarship fund, 301 Fir Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.