Riki Richelle Gerry Anderson

Riki Richelle Gerry Anderson, 42, of North Powder passed away Tuesday, June 12 after her courageous battle with cancer came to an end. A memorial service will be held at the North Powder High School Gym on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. A graveside committal will be held at 1:00 p.m. the same day at the Grandview Cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Billie Ruth Bootsma Foundation, 3325 Pocahontas Road, Baker City, Oregon 97814.

Riki was born September 8, 1969 in La Grande, OR to Rick and Sharon Gerry, their second of an eventual three children. After living a short while in North Powder, Riki and her family moved to Prairie City where she attended grades K-12 and eventually graduated from Prairie City High School in 1987. After high school, Riki found adventure in the summers fighting fire for the Forest Service while attending Eastern Oregon State College and earning a Bachelor's degree in education.
As an educator past 20 years, Riki worked for two schools during that time, Burnt River School District for 12 years and North Powder School District for 8 years. Serving at times as a Special Education teacher, elementary teacher, Athletic Director, and coach, Riki's passion for learning, helping, and working others was seen and felt by those she came in contact with.

On December 31, 2004, Riki married the love of her life, Cody Anderson. Together they welcomingly shared the joy of raising three beautiful daughters. Riki had a passion for horses, the outdoors, spending time with her family, and watching her daughter participate in athletics. Those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time which one lives.

She is survived by her husband, Cody Anderson; her daughters, Ali, Jacey, and Avrie; her parents Rick and Sharon Gerry; her sister, Kim Kimball and husband Brian; her brother Ryan Gerry and wife Samantha; three nieces and two nephews; and her aunt Susie Gerry.
Riki was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jim and June Gerry; and Mick and Verna Elder.

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