Lori (Evenson) Samuels
June 16, 1959 – June 13, 2026
Lori Kay (Evenson) Samuels, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and children, on June 13, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She was 66 years old.
Lori was born on June 16, 1959, in Veblen, S.D., to Oscar “Scotty” Evenson and Arlene Evenson. She spent her early childhood in Rosholt, S.D., where she developed a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community.
During her middle school years, Lori and her family moved to Sweet Home, where she completed her education and began building the life she would come to cherish.
She graduated from Sweet Home High School with the Class of 1977. Lori moved away from Sweet Home in the late 1970’s, however moved back several times to live with her parents.
Proud of her Norwegian and Swedish heritage, Lori often reflected the quiet strength, resilience, and determination she inherited from her parents. Those qualities would serve her throughout her life and especially during her courageous health battles.
She worked as a bookkeeper for the State of Oregon, The Corvallis Clinic, and Diagnostic Imaging of Salem. She also worked as a teacher’s aide for the Salem-Keizer School District, where she enjoyed supporting students and educators.
Yet, among all her accomplishments, the role she treasured most was being a mother and raising her three children.
On Aug. 14, 1994, Lori married the love of her life, Jeff Samuels. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith in one another, laughter and unconditional love.
As the wife of an Oregon State Police trooper, Lori created a home filled with warmth, encouragement, humor, and unwavering support. Her family knew her as their strongest advocate, biggest cheerleader, and steady source of comfort.
Lori was the proud mother of Jesse Samuels (30), Brooke Samuels (29) and Luke Samuels (27). Family was the center of her life and the source of her greatest joy.
Nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved and creating lasting memories together.
Lori loved life and embraced it with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure. She shared many of her favorite activities with her family, including running, hiking, biking, and skiing, and family trips to Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast-Cannon Beach was a special place for her.
Whether on a mountain trail, a beach, a ski slope, or a family outing, Lori found joy in being active and spending time with those she loved.
A true warrior, Lori courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for more than 15 years.
Along the way, she also overcame multiple cancers, facing each challenge with extraordinary strength, determination, and grace. She refused to let her diagnosis define her.
As part of her Parkinson’s therapy, Lori took up boxing and approached each workout with the same perseverance that carried her through every obstacle. Her resilience inspired her family, friends, caregivers, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Lori had a gift for bringing people together. She loved baking for family and friends, and her kitchen was often the heart of gatherings, celebrations, and holiday traditions. She enjoyed traveling and treasured the memories she made exploring new places with family and friends.
Music was one of Lori’s greatest joys. She loved attending concerts and listening to her favorite songs, especially the music of the 1970s. She also loved to dance and could often be found moving to the music with a smile on her face. Her family affectionately nicknamed her “Dancing Queen,” a title she wore proudly and one that perfectly captured her fun-loving spirit and zest for life.
Despite the many challenges she faced, Lori maintained her remarkable ability to laugh, smile, and find joy in life’s everyday moments. Her strength as a woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend was evident in everything she did. She met adversity with courage and optimism, teaching those around her invaluable lessons about perseverance, grace, and the power of a positive spirit.
Lori was preceded in death by her father, Oscar “Scotty” Evenson, in 2018; her sister, Holly Evenson, in 2022; and her mother, Arlene Evenson, in 2023.
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 32 years, Jeff Samuels; her children, Jesse, Brooke, and Luke Samuels; her sisters, Julie Vollmer and Carolee Evenson; her brother, Scott Evenson; and many extended family members, lifelong friends, and loved ones who will miss her deeply.
Lori’s legacy is one of love, devotion, perseverance, kindness, and joy. She will be remembered for the warmth she brought to every room, the meals she lovingly prepared, the adventures she shared, the music she danced to, and the unwavering love she gave to her family. Her ability to laugh, smile, and remain strong through life’s greatest challenges is a testament to the legacy she leaves behind.
Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she cherished above all else. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
Instead of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to organizations supporting Parkinson’s disease research and patient care in Lori’s honor, including:
– PD Rebel Project (non-profit connected with Rebel Fit Club’s Rock Steady Boxing Program for those fighting Parkinson’s) www.pdrebelproject.org.
– Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon https://www.parkinsonsresources.org.
– Brian Grant Foundation www.briangrant.org.
– The Michael J. Fox Foundation www.michaeljfox.org.