Laurel Ann Meierotto Owens, 74

Laurel Ann Meierotto Owens "stepped into eternal life with her Lord" on Sept. 12, 2005, in Missoula, due to complications from several surgeries. Laurel was 74 years of age.

She was born Nov. 13, 1930, in Rainier, Ore., to Selma Katherina Evans and Charles Paul Evans, who both predeceased her. She grew up in a loving home with sister, Paula James, who survives her of Milwaukie, Ore.

She married Wilbur Roy "Bud" Meierotto in 1950, and they shared 52 years together living in Portland; Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and Apache Junction, Ariz., where they eventually retired and where Bud passed away January 2003.

Laurel was most proud of and devoted to their two children, Gary Meierotto of Beaverton, Ore., and Kim Meierotto of Fremont, Calif.

In addition to volunteer and eventual paid work at the Portland Children's Center where Gary worked in the sheltered workshop, Laurel was a consummate homemaker and entertainer extraordinaire. So many have been the recipients of her gift of hospitality.

Her joy was made full with the arrival of her two grandchildren, Chelsea Ann Whitfield and J.D. Whitfield, both of Fremont. So many memories were built of camping with Gramps and Grams, walking on the beach, summers picking berries, and special lunch dates together.

Laurel found love a second time and married Robert Owens of Kalispell, July 29, 2004. Their time together was too short.

Laurel will be missed by so many relatives and friends whose lives she touched by her positive outlook, her giving spirit, and her love for God.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Cedar Mill Bible Church, 12208 NW. Cornell Road, Portland, Ore. A second service will be held in Arizona on Nov. 13 for her many friends and family there.

Disposition is by cremation, and she will be inurned in Green Mountain Cemetery in Rainier, Ore.