Gary Lee Noble

Gary Lee Noble, 42, of Lolo, Mont., and formerly of La Grande, died Oct. 13.

A graveside service with military honors was held Oct. 17, at Weston Montana Veterans Cemetery. A celebration of life followed the next day at Cornerstone Ministries in Lolo.

Gary was born June 12, 1966, in Medford. The family lived in Hillsboro when Gary began his schooling. At 17 the family moved to Colfax, Wash., where Gary completed high school.

Shortly after graduating, Gary married Teresa Huebner and entered the U.S. Army. After a military injury, Gary was honorably discharged in 1988 and returned to Colfax. In 1991 Gary and his family moved to Clarkston, Wash., and he began his career as a police officer, serving at Washington State University, the city of Clarkston and the rescue diving team.

In 1999 Gary moved to La Grande to pursue his dream of becoming and athletic trainer. He graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 2001 with his bachelor of science degree in physical education and health with an emphasis in athletic training. That same year Gary married the love of his life Jeannette Berglund on June 23. The couple moved to South Dakota where Gary furthered his education at Northern State University in Aberdeen. In August 2002 Gary graduated with honors with a M.S. degree in teaching and learning. The couple then moved to Anderson, Ind., where Gary completed course-work for a doctorate in adult education.

In August 2005, the couple moved to Jefferson City, Tenn., where Gary was director of the Athletic Training Department at Carson Newman College. In March 2007Gary accepted a position in Montana as a durable medical equipment coordinator at an orthopedic office. Gary and Jeannette's youngest long-awaited son, Thatcher J. Noble, was born April 10, 2007.

Gary loved spending time with his three sons, Matthew, Aaron and Thatcher. Those who knew Gary said his children and his wife were his top priorities, and the family enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and playing card games.

Gary and Jeanette were actively involved at Cornerstone Ministries. This year Gary spent time at Missoula 3:16, School of Christ, where his outlook on life was dramatically changed. He had been involved in classes to help others who were struggling with addictions.

Gary enjoyed practicing and teaching judo and hand been a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Gary will be remembered as a God-loving and giving man.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette of Lolo; sons, Matthew of North Carolina, Aaron of Clarkston, Wash., and Thatcher of Lolo; parents, Dave and Linda Noble of Baker City; sister, Anna Christiansen of Sanger, Texas; brother, Jon Noble of La Grande and grandparents, Jim and Virginia Lampkins of La Grande.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Missoula 3:16, School of Christ, P.O. Box 16833, Missoula, MT 59808.

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