Lela Rose Graham Christensen

With family at her side, Lela Rose (Graham) Christensen finished her race and received her crown peacefully Feb. 27, 2013, at her home in Tualatin, Ore., following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Lela was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many.

Lela was born to Ida Sewell Graham and Glenn Graham Oct. 3, 1944, at her grandparents' home in Westlake, Idaho. She attended school in Grangeville until her family moved to Craigmont, where she graduated from Craigmont High School in 1962. In September of 1964, she and the love of her life, Bob Christensen, were married. Soon after, Bob was hired by the Idaho Transportation Department and assigned to the U.S. Highway 12, Bald Mt. Station along the Lochsa River. During this time Richard and Eric were added to the family, and Lela often said it was one of the most memorable times of her life. Bob was transferred to the Craigmont station, and Lela found employment as the Highland School District secretary from 1967-1969.

Relocating to Tigard, Ore., in 1969, Lela began her career with Amica Mutual Insurance in 1971 in the Portland branch and retired there in 2001 as the Northwest regional vice president. Lela's greatest passion in life was loving and caring for her family. Bob and Lela's open door allowed many siblings and friends a warm welcome and a sanctuary in times of transitions or just for a visit. She was active in the Tigard Little League, Tigard Sports, and the Tigard Christian Church. Her love of travel allowed Bob and her to share many memories of England, Scotland, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and the continental U.S.

Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 2001, and her mother, Ida Graham, in 1992. She is survived by her father, Glenn Graham; her sons, Richard and Karen, and Eric and Suzanne; grandson Griffin and granddaughters Danielle and Reagan; her sister, Phyllis Nash and Doug; and brothers Robert and Lynda, Jim and Lisa, and Rich and Linda; along with her nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Tigard Christian Church.