Lora Ladell Venable

Lora Ladell Newman Venable, wife, mother, and friend passed away at the Richard Nau Hospice House in Longview, Washington on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Lora was born on December 27, 1949 in Longview, Washington to Walter G. Newman and Meribe Elaine Hooper Newman, joining her elder brother, Gary. Lora grew up in a home in Kelso on the banks of the Coweeman River where her family’s taxidermy shop was also located.

After graduating from Kelso High School and Western Washington State College, now University, Lora married her high school sweetheart, Jim Venable, with whom she enjoyed over 51 years of marriage; a 58 year relationship if one counts high school and a four year college engagement. Lora accompanied Jim as they moved from Portland to Longview to Missoula, MT to Childersburg, AL to University Place, WA and back to Longview again during his career in Pulp and Paper Engineering.

Along the way, while Lora spent the majority of her time as mother (to Kevin born in 1974 and Jessica born in 1977) and homemaker, she found time to engage in a variety of careers. In Alabama Lora earned an associate’s degree in drafting which she used as the foundation for a home business designing and drawing house plans for both individuals and developers. In University Place, located between Tacoma and Steilacoom, Lora added Document Control Specialist for a major capital projects team and Executive Assistant to her church’s Senior Pastor to her resume. Prior to her retirement, Lora served as receptionist and sales team “admin” at Jim’s final stop, NORPAC in Longview.

Lora was introspective and observant. She was a student of words and understood and appreciated their power, regardless of the medium. The spoken word was especially meaningful to Lora. Her degree in Rhetoric and Public Address was indicative of this, as was Lora’s speaking and teaching. Coupled with Lora’s love of and devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the ability to communicate provided Lora with a platform to teach, especially women, about maturing into the fullness that Jesus intends for His followers.

Lora’s serious bent was balanced with a love for people and the ability to welcome them into the warmth and peace of her home, wherever it was. She enjoyed the role of hostess. Lora loved to cook and bake.

Lora relaxed by reading, crocheting and sewing, attempting to take the perfect photograph, and other handcrafts. Lora loved almost all things furry, but cats were undoubtedly her favorite.

One last thing you need to know about Lora. Not so very far under the surface was a keen wit and a unique, if not a bit off the wall, sense of humor.

Lora is survived by her husband, Jim Venable, her son, Kevin Venable, with his wife -to-be, Classy Gray, and her daughter, Jessica Venable.

Lora was predeceased by both her parents and brother.

Lora’s memorial service will be Saturday, July 27, 2024 at New Hope City Church located at 1416 Commerce Avenue, Longview, WA. The service will be at 1:00 PM with Pastor Scott Olin officiating. The service will be live streamed on New Hope City Church’s Facebook and You Tube channels.

We would appreciate it if, in lieu of flowers, you would contribute to the Richard Nau Hospice House or Premier Choice for Women. Both of these organizations are located in Longview, WA.