Newberg caregiver dies at 89 after 56-year marriage

Sylvia Pulliam Hawes died peacefully in her Newberg, Oregon, home on Oct. 22, 2026, at age 89. She was surrounded by family members during the event. Her passing marks the end of a 56-year marriage to Alvin Hawes, who died before her.

Born on July 29, 1937, in Hugo, Oklahoma, Hawes was the daughter of John and Fronia Pulliam. She had three siblings: Tom, Bonnie, and Russell. Her husband, Alvin, is no longer living. Her brothers Tom and Russell also died before her. She is survived by her sister, Bonnie King, of Los Molinos, California.

Hawes left behind six children: Carey and Penny Hawes, Sherry Vote, Terri and Rick Beaudry, Tammy and Jeff Coffman, Leisa Crawford, and Troy Hawes. The family group includes 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Family members described her as a dedicated caregiver who valued faith and family. They noted that the song “You Are My Sunshine” served as a personal reminder of her life.

A memorial service is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2026, at 12:30 pm. The ceremony will take place at Family Life Church in Newberg. The family requested that guests bring memories instead of flowers. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family asks for donations to be made in Hawes’s memory. The Newberg Animal Shelter will receive the funds. The service will honor her role as the matriarch of a large, multi-generational family.