Roma C. Bigby

Gardener, 91Roma Claire Bigby, 91, of Astoria, died Friday, March 18, 2005, in Astoria.

Mrs. Bigby was born Jan. 6, 1914, to Sophus R. and Ida R. Ilstad Kallak in Williston, N.D. She grew up on a homestead in Epping, N.D. In 1925, the family moved to Woodburn.

On Dec. 11, 1940, she married Max Bigby; he preceded her in death.

The Bigbys moved to Astoria, where Mrs. Bigby lived the rest of her life.

Mrs. Bigby owned and managed Custard King during the 1950s and 1960s and later supported her husband in his refrigeration business.

She enjoyed traveling, dancing at the Elks, walking her dog, digging clams and maintaining her garden. Family members said she was an avid reader and an excellent cook. She volunteered at the Clatsop County Historical Society, Columbia River Maritime Museum and with the SMART program.

She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Retired Officers Association.

Mrs. Bigby is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Max Jr. and Judy Bigby of Astoria; a daughter, Jane Bigby of Seattle; a sister, Arlene Hunt of Vancouver, Wash.; two grandsons, Jared Bigby of Portland and Jason and his wife Trixie Bigby of Astoria; a granddaughter, Katherine Bigby of Seattle; a cousin, Sam Wagner of Vader, Wash; and many nephews and nieces.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Bigby was preceded in death by a brother, John Kallak; a twin sister, Ruth Kallak; and two other sisters, Marjorie Kallak and Carol Nolan.

A memorial reception will be held from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Astoria Elks Lodge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation or Lower Columbia Hospice, in care of Hughes-Ransom Cremation & Mortuaries, 576 12th St., Astoria, OR 97103.