Life Tribute – Lori Ann Speer

Lori Ann Speer

                  Lori Ann Speer, 59, of Susanville, California, died Friday Dec. 4, 2020 at her home in Leavitt Lake. Lori was born in Boise, Idaho Nov. 10, 1961. Her parents, Norman and Tamaline Blewett soon moved to Whitebird, then to Kooskia, Harpster and Grangeville before settling in Pierce, Idaho. She was raised in Pierce with her four siblings — Mike, Bill, Rose and Bob.

Although she primarily lived in Pierce as a girl, she spent a lot of time at her grandparents, Nelson and Marie Blewett’s ranch in Stites, Idaho. She enjoyed listening to the stories of their lives growing up. She liked to swim in Clear Creek that bordered the east side of the ranch. They often traveled by horseback to the family cabin in the Buffalo Hump area. She loved to help in the garden and help bake her grandmother’s famous sourdough. She started fencing at the age of 12. She qualified for the Junior Olympics and was a five-state national fencing champion three times.

At age 17, she had her first-born daughter, Terra. She then married John Morris and moved to Weippe, Idaho where she had a second daughter, Chrissy, and then moved to Troy, Idaho and had a third daughter, Jessie. She worked at Idaho Cedar Sales for 17 years doing very physical labor. They divorced in 1992.

She then met Stuart Speer, the love of her life and they married in 1994. They were married in Spalding Park at a historical Nez Perce Presbyterian church. In 2002 they moved to Susanville. Lori completed two associate degrees and then completed her bachelor degree in psychology at Ashford University, graduating with honors. She then worked at the Indian Rancheria as a youth program coordinator. She did volunteer work with Americorp as a mentor.

Eventually she worked for Lassen County as a behavioral health counselor. She shaped the hearts and gave hope for a happy future to many youth. Her dedication and passion for her work continued until the week before she passed.

Lori had many talents. She was an amazing wildlife artist, animal lover, creative landscaper and beautiful seamstress. We love you to the moon and back, Mom. We are happy you are at peace.

She is survived by her husband Stuart Speer, her children, grandchildren, siblings and numerous other loving family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: Moms on the Run or Reno Cancer Foundation.