She was born in her parent's Corbett home during a snow blizzard on February 4, 1925. Her mother declared "I will be glad when June is here!" after looking out the window and seeing the all white storm. Bethel
June Bates Law Kirby DID indeed arrive! Because of the storm, Dr. Hughes from Gresham actually spent the night at the Bate's home after delivering June. One of five children, her only sister passed at age six due to pneumonia. When June was ready to start grade school, she was the first class of first graders to attend the "new" Springdale School in 1931! June has lived in Corbett her ENTIRE 86 years of life, except for one short three month period after getting married. After graduating high school, June took a bus into Portland and got a job at WP Fuller Paint Company. It was there that June met Ridgely "Ridge" Law and her life took a turn. Ridge was nearly ten years older, a single father with a young son (Gary Law) and was 6'6" tall with very handsome features. After meeting Ridge and falling in love, he moved away to become a Merchant Marine. Staying in touch, they married two years later. For a short three month period, June went with Ridge to CA. for his schooling. Moving back to Corbett, Ridge and June raised Gary together and also added two daughters to their family. Gary now lives in Springdale, Lynn resides in Springfield, and Becky is in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. June has nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren! Ridge and June were married for 52 blissful years before he passed. June swore she would never again marry when Ridge passed. After being single for three years, Floyd Kirby "came calling." Floyd was a friend who had lost his wife and he and June had known each other for 40 years. Soon they both realized there was a strong "connection" and married in 1999. They continue to live in the Corbett community, and June loves the home she has been in since 1962. Ridge was a carpenter and built the home. She says the location is close to everything. Over the years June was very involved with the Corbett Community Church and played the organ for 25 years as well as taught sunday school. She loved supporting her kids with Gary being an athlete and her girls both being cheerleaders. June says she has always felt "safe and connected" in the Corbett community. At one time she was a part of the "Merrymakers Club." There was a total of twelve women who became very close friends as they raised their families together. She says there are only three of them left, and she feels blessed to have had the life she has had, bumps and all!
