Lora Jean Roy

Arrangements by Powers Funeral Home. Lora Jean Roy, born December 11, 1949 in Portland, Oregon, died Thursday, August 23, 2018 peacefully at home with her husband. Lora is the daughter of the late Robert and Helen Helt also from Portland, Oregon. Lora graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1968 and upon graduation she began a career in banking. In September of 1973, she joined the United States Air Force, where she did her basic training at Lackland AFB, then on to her technical training at Chanute AFB. Her first duty station was McGuire AFB on January 8th of 1974 where she was assigned to the 438 FMS aircraft maintenance squadron and became one of the first group of women to be aircraft mechanics since the 1940's. She met the love of her life in December of 1973 and they were married on September 14, 1974. Together they raised 3 children. In 1985, they bought an acre of property and built a home that she was most proud of. Lora was extremely devoted to her three children and husband. She made sure they were well taken care of and she was always present at their sporting events or school functions. She enjoyed every moment of it and being able to stay home with her children. Lora loved life and always had a smile on her face. Lora was always a kind spirited soul. Besides her loving husband Donald of 43 years, she is survived by two daughters, Jennifer of Puyallup, Kimberlie (Erick) of Spanaway and a son Michael (Heidi) of Orting. Her 4 grandchildren whom she loved so much: Erick, Colby, Lauren and Loni. She also leaves behind a younger brother, Dan Helt (Luann) of Puyallup and a sister-in- law Connie Helt of Shelton. She is preceded in death by her mother Helen, her father Robert and her brother Steve. The family will have a private service for her in Long Beach, Washington where her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean. A burial plaque will be placed at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lora's name to the Pierce County Chapter of the American Heart Association and the Diabetes Association of Pierce County