Laurie Pyle

Laurie Lee Pyle completed her race and went home with Jesus her Lord and Savior July 19, 2023. Laurie is survived by her mother, Mary (Nicholson, Flower) Pyle, her best friends Tanya (Rose) Curtis and Holly Randoll, and her Godson, Nickolas Deckert. She was preceded in death by her father, William Flower, and close friend Virginia Munez.

Laurie was born in Susanville, CA, to Mary and William Flower. She moved to Milwaukie, OR during her elementary years, and graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1983, followed by attendance at Portland State University and the University of Oregon with degrees in Special Education. She spent many years enriching the lives of people with disabilities at Albertina Kerr Centers and Edwards Center, and through private tutoring of students with special needs.

She was active in church ministry throughout her life, particularly at Tigard Foursquare Church, and City of Refuge in Portland, OR. In 2021 she moved to Montana, living in Sheridan and Dillon. Laurie taught others to treasure the things truly important in life: Faith, family, relationships, dogs, and COFFEE!!!! With these things in balance, she could conquer anything! Laurie loved adventure, seeing new places and experiencing new activities. Her name means “Victorious Spirit” and she lived up to it! She was very competitive by nature, with a dogged determination to prevail.

Laurie sought to balance her competitive spirit with the peace of God. She often quoted Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Laurie knew the power of peace, and learned to radiate God’s peace to infuse the atmosphere around her. Laurie was a true friend who sought to love others well, to recognize the gifting and talent in others and draw it out of them, and gave Jesus the glory for the victories in her life. She was a Special Education teacher, rock hound, dear friend, and Child of God.

Special thanks to Dr. John Madany and Stacy Regan, PT; the staff at Barrett Hospital, St. Patrick Hospital, and the rehabilitation team at Pioneer Care (Natalie, Charis, and Alison) who helped her so much over the past few months.