Virginia Carlene Damer

Carlene Damer was born on January 22, 1943, to Clyde and Earlene Holliday in Tuscan, Arizona. She was the oldest of five children that included Sharon, Ron, Darrell and Ken.

The family relocated to Grant County, Oregon, in 1947. Carlene went to school in Mt. Vernon and completed her studies at Mt. Vernon High School in 1961, where she was a varsity cheerleader for several sports teams.

Carlene married Guido Damer on July 24, 1961, in Lovelock, Nevada. Together they had three children, Troy, Teresa and Tina.

In 1974, Carlene enrolled at Phagan’s Beauty School in Bend, Oregon. Two years later, in 1976, Guido and Carlene relocated their family to Prineville, Oregon, where she spent many years working as a beautician before retiring to become a full-time nana to her grandchildren: Seth, Tyler, Karli, Allee, and Mattee.

Carlene had a passion for painting and gifted numerous artworks to her family and friends, who deeply treasure the beautiful pieces she created for them. She also enjoyed having her nail appointments and having her nails painted with WWHR polish (if you know, you know), baking, playing Bingo, bowling, and participating in PWAA volleyball and softball, where she formed many lifelong friendships.

Carlene had a fiery personality and a larger-than-life sense of humor. If she cared about someone, they felt her love—she wasn’t shy about showing it, even if it meant giving them the finger more than once.

Carlene leaves behind a family that she “really, really, really loved”, including her husband, Guido Damer; daughters, Teresa (Dan) Tooley, Tina (Kirk) Simmons; five grandchildren, Seth (Renee) Tooley, Tyler Tooley, Karli (David) Ocacio, Allee Simmons and Mattee Simmons; four great-grandchildren, Olivia Tooley, Penelope Tooley, Autumn Ocacio and Dani Ocacio; sister, Sharon Mitchell; brothers, Darrel (Kathi) Holliday and Ken (Pat) Holliday; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Carlene was preceded in death by her son, Troy Damer; parents, Clyde and Earlene Holliday; brother, Ron Holliday; one niece and two nephews along with many friends.

A Private Family Graveside will be held on Wednesday, December 17 and Celebration of Life will be held at the Prineville Elks Lodge on Wednesday, December 17 at 4 pm for family and friends.