Laura Mae Jorgenson, 96

Laura Mae Jorgenson, our beloved mother, age 96, peacefully passed into Heaven on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Village of Orchard Ridge, her residence since 2015. Preceding her in death were a half-brother, Charles Bird, and an infant, Stephanie Mills.

Laura was born on June 28, 1923, to Hannah and George Grinch in Rock Springs, Wyo. Her father, George, worked in the oil fields in Calpet, Wyo. In her early elementary school years, she attended a one-room schoolhouse. During middle school and high school, she lived at Wasatch Academy, a private boarding school in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Summers were often spent on a family ranch outside Rock Springs, where she rode horses and learned to love the outdoors.

She would often recount many fond memories of the years at Wasatch Academy, where her love for mischief and teasing were developed. At first she was very homesick, but she learned to adjust, which helped her to adapt to the many changes and challenges she would encounter during her lifetime. Along with her studies, she found time to participate in piano and dancing lessons, as well as reading about geography.

After graduation from high school she attended a business school and studied bookkeeping. After successfully finishing her education in that career path, she became employed by Union Pacific Coal Company in Rock Springs.

She married Alma Bud Mills in December 1945, after he returned from serving his country during World War II. They began their family and resided in Rock Springs until 1959. After visiting the beautiful Coeur d’Alene area on vacation one year, they decided to make North Idaho their home. They, and four children, along with her mother and step-father, relocated to Coeur d’Alene and began their new adventure as owners of the Cedar Motel. The family grew to five children. While raising five children and helping in the motel business, she was also employed at the Coeur d’Alene Creamery, checking in route drivers with her “lightning fingers” on the comptometer.

Her husband, Bud, passed in 1969. She married Dale B. Jorgenson in 1982, a cherished friend from her days employed at the creamery. Together they enjoyed entertaining their families, playing cards with their many friends, traveling, and fishing in their boat until his death in 2008. She and Dale regularly attended and were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, constantly expressing their love of the Lord by the love shown to all they knew.

She is known for her deep, abiding love for her family and others, especially for her playful teasing of the staff at the Village of Orchard Ridge. Because of their loving care and kindness, she thrived in her environment. Her smiles seemed to light up the room, which indicated to all she was happy in her loving, secure home. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her seven children: Susan Clow (Alvah), Greg Mills (Diana), Stephen Mills (Kay), Sharon Moore, Sydne Trueblood (Russ), Gary Jorgenson (Vernabeth) and Linda Aavedal (Bob); grandchildren: Craig Brandvold (Sally), Colleen Conine (David), Devin Nelson, Denise Leyva, Dirk Mills, Shantil Moore, Sara Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Lauryn Trueblood, Heidi (Jerry) McCormick, Jennifer (Scott) Larsen, Stacey (Don) Lamond, Todd (Danielle) Jorgenson, Matt Jorgenson, Sarah Aavedal (Carrie), John Aavedal (Hilary), Jessica Kelly; 24 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In appreciation of her care and in lieu of flowers, please make your donations in memory of Laura through the Village of Orchard Ridge, 624 W. Harrison, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. A Celebration of Laura’s life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Laura’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.