Lori June Cokeley Dietz

Our sweet Lori left this world, but never our hearts, on December 12, 2023.

Lori was more than a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was light, love, and pure joy.  Her laugh was contagiously intoxicating. She inspired all with her positivity. Lori was absolutely genuine, and to know her was to love her—you couldn’t help yourself. Lori loved life. Even when faced with the most difficult challenges in her life, she was joyful and positive. Lori always had compassion for others first. Even when she beat cancer, she gave the credit to her family instead of her strength and courage.

Lori was giving—her love, support, and friendship were steadfast and generous. The biggest cheerleader and fan of her family’s marching band competitions, high school volleyball games, orchestra performances, softball games, and robotic competitions, she was never quiet. She was a loud and devout Rams and Blazers fan. She was Bon Jovi’s number one fan. She loved all things Disney, Winnie the Pooh, and Christmas. Lori absolutely loved watching movies with her brother—she didn’t just watch, she experienced everything. It was more fun watching her than the movie.

Above all, Lori loved her family. They were everything to her—her purpose, universe, and heart. Lori loved being a mom and was voraciously committed to it. She raised two beautiful daughters, Kimberly Dietz and Alisha Neill, and embraced her son-in-law, Josiah Neill as her own. She couldn’t wait to be a grandma and was so exited when Rhea Neill was born and looked forward to the upcoming birth of her grandson this February. Lori was more of a mom than an aunt to her nieces, Kylie and Sara Cokeley. She was a best friend to her brother, Mike Cokeley and his wife Jenny (“The three amigos”). She was a loving daughter to Pete and Joan Cokeley and a sweet niece to June Churchill.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cedar Village Assisted Living and Serenity Hospice for their loving care.

A memorial will be held for Lori on Saturday, Jan. 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 134 Missouri Ave S., Salem, OR 97302.