Lori Kristine Miles

Lori Kristine Miles, 45, died in her sleep at her North Powder home Sept. 14. Her memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Baker City with Pastor Al Fry officiating. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the church fellowship hall following the service.

Lori was born Nov. 5, 1964, to Robert and Connie Torgeson in Spokane. She attended schools in Washington, and proudly attained her GED more than 10 years later in La Grande. Encouraged by husband Gregg, she began coursework at Blue Mountain Community College to enter nursing.

While married to Jerry Gardner, she raised her children, Doug and Kady. On Sept. 25, 2004, Lori and Gregg Miles married in Baker City.

Those who knew Lori say her life was centered on her children and family and she was never happier than when she was doing things for others.

The many bright afghans, quilts and blankets she made and gave to family and friends were evidence of her generosity and skill at crocheting and other crafts. She was always willing to help on the ranch and had to learn a completely new set of skills. Her love of animals increased with that new phase of her life.

Her family says a debilitating accident that left her with a crushed vertebrae kept her down, but not out. She had just finished canning a large harvest of apricot jam and always baked the biggest and best cookies.

She is survived by her husband, Gregg; children, Douglas and Kady Gardner of La Grande; stepchildren, Christian Miles of North Powder and Elle of Portland; sister, Monica Braden of Washington; brother, Jason Torgeson of Washington; and two aunts.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baker Community College foundations, which provides scholarships, textbooks and programs throughout Baker County and North Powder in care of Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City 97814.

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