Tengs loses battle with lung cancer
Tengs loses battle with lung cancer
Debra Tengs, who served as transportation manager and administrative assistant for Snake River Produce in Nyssa, OR, died Dec. 28 after losing her year-long battle with lung cancer. She was 53.
Ms. Tengs was born April 3, 1953, in Tucumcari, NM. She moved to California while in her teens and began working in the produce industry after college. She eventually settled in Nyssa to raise her family.
According to Snake River Produce General Manager Kay Riley, Ms. Tengs was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. Mr. Riley said that she maintained her positive attitude during chemotherapy, despite being told last summer that she had only two weeks to live.
Ms. Tengs continued to work at Snake River Produce until this past November, when she was hospitalized. In all, her career in the produce industry spanned 25 years.
Mr. Riley said that Ms. Tengs brought a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the job when she joined the staff in 2000. "She was the best truck finder I've ever been associated with," he told The Produce News. "She was also honest to a fault."
Mr. Riley added, "She fought this battle with character and dignity, with a firm resolve to beat it. She was active to the end and had a great attitude. She will be sorely missed."
Ms. Tengs is survived by her husband, Steve; her four children, Bill, Jady, Michelle and Duane; her stepson, Mitch; her father, Ray; her brother, Russell; and her sister, Melinda.
A memorial service was held Jan. 3 at Purple Sage Golf Course in Caldwell, ID.
Ms. Tengs was born April 3, 1953, in Tucumcari, NM. She moved to California while in her teens and began working in the produce industry after college. She eventually settled in Nyssa to raise her family.
According to Snake River Produce General Manager Kay Riley, Ms. Tengs was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. Mr. Riley said that she maintained her positive attitude during chemotherapy, despite being told last summer that she had only two weeks to live.
Ms. Tengs continued to work at Snake River Produce until this past November, when she was hospitalized. In all, her career in the produce industry spanned 25 years.
Mr. Riley said that Ms. Tengs brought a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the job when she joined the staff in 2000. "She was the best truck finder I've ever been associated with," he told The Produce News. "She was also honest to a fault."
Mr. Riley added, "She fought this battle with character and dignity, with a firm resolve to beat it. She was active to the end and had a great attitude. She will be sorely missed."
Ms. Tengs is survived by her husband, Steve; her four children, Bill, Jady, Michelle and Duane; her stepson, Mitch; her father, Ray; her brother, Russell; and her sister, Melinda.
A memorial service was held Jan. 3 at Purple Sage Golf Course in Caldwell, ID.
