Lafern Margarite Hardy

LaFern Margarite Hardy, 83, of La Grande, died Nov. 12 at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla. She had a compromised immune system due to cancer treatments.

A celebration of life for LaFern Hardy, who died Nov. 12, will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer Park (swimming pool).

LaFern was born June 9, 1926, to Lloyd and Lillian Kilborn in La Grande. She was the oldest of two children.

She met Glen Spilker in 1946. The couple married and had two children, Jonathan Glenn Spilker born in 1948 and Jeanne Margarite Spilker born in 1949.

LaFern and Glenn divorced. She married Ralph Hardy in 1972. The marriage ended later.

Those who knew LaFern said she was a special lady with a huge heart for life, love, family and friends. They say she showed her passion and adventure through dance, writing, camping, hiking and painting. She was involved with many organizations throughout her life and appreciated the large spectrum of social interaction.

She enjoyed painting, bird-watching, crafting and maintaining connections with her many friends.

She was a loving mother of two and a mentor to five grandchildren. People who knew LaFern say she put many smiles on people's faces with her costumes and her way of enjoying life.

She is survived by her son, Jonathan Spilker and his wife, Patti, of Pendleton; daughter, Jeanne Hagenah and her husband, Sonny; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Gerry Follett and her husband, George; and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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