baked bread on the farmhouse's wood-burning stove. Eggs from chickens raised by Pat Straub became a sought after item in the state capital. They proved so popular that Barbara Hanneman, Governor Straub's personal assistant, had to keep a record of who had received the first lady's organic chicken eggs. Straub publicly supported her husband's environmental policies and initiatives, including Senate Bill 100's land-use plans, originally conceived by Governor Tom McCall) and a series of innovative state energy efficiency programs. However, Straub rejected calls to run for political office herself. Later life After leaving office, Pat and Bob Straub owned and operated several farms scattered throughout the Willamette Valley, specifically the Mid-Valley, of central Oregon. They championed strongly conservationist and pro-environmental policy issues. The couple donated ten acres of one of their farmers to the city of Salem, Oregon, which is now known as the Bob & Pat Straub Nature Park. They were also the catalyst behind the Straub Environmental Center, a facility owned by the Salem-Keizer School District. Pat Straub also served on the Oregon Forestry Council. She became a watercolorist and painter later in her life. Pat Straub died from complications of old age at the Gateway Living Residential Center in Springfield, Oregon, on September 24, 2017, at the age of 92. She was survived by five of her children - Jane Straub, Patty Straub Thomas, Peg Straub, Jeff Straub, and Mike Straub; 14 grandchildren, 31 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, former Governor Bob Straub, who died in November 2002, and one of her six children. A memorial service was held at the Northwest Youth Corps center on October 22, 2016. Straub's death came less than one month after the passing of her successor, former Oregon First Lady Dolores Atiyeh. References 1923 births 2016 deaths American cookbook writers Farmers from Oregon First Ladies and Gentlemen of Oregon Writers from Pennsylvania People from Springfield, Oregon Organic farmers Organic gardeners Writers from Salem, Oregon Smith College alumni