Obituary
Laura Marie Kline
Laura Marie Kline, born Laura Marie Wertz on September 1, 1959, in Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully in hospice on July 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 66 years old and made her home in Gresham, Oregon.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Kline; her father, John Wertz; and her mother, Marion Hughes.
She is survived by her sons, Jonathon Ballard (his wife, Toni), and Colby Kline; her stepmother, Rose Wertz; her sisters, Barbara Ross, Kathy Boechler, Christy Dale, and Stacy Hughes; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Laura lived a life defined by kindness, service, and love for others. Throughout her career, she worked in banking and finance, trucking, and the SMART Reading Program. Whatever role she took on, she was dependable, hardworking, and always willing to help. She believed in showing up, giving her best, and making a difference wherever she could.
Serving her community brought Laura great joy. She volunteered with the SMART Reading Program, helping children develop a love of reading; participated in Oregon SOLVE Beach Cleanups and Reach the Beach; and dedicated countless hours to the Boy Scouts, Aquafit, lifeguarding, and working with developmentally disabled children. After losing her beloved husband, Wayne, to cancer, Laura continued her life of service by volunteering with Mt. Hood Hospice, offering comfort and compassion to families facing the same difficult journey she had experienced.
Laura had a gift for making people feel welcome. Her warm smile and cheerful “Hi!” could brighten someone’s day, and she had a way of making everyone she met feel remembered and valued.
Family was the center of Laura’s life. She and Wayne shared a love of camping and treasured time spent outdoors with family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.
Laura will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and quiet generosity. She never sought recognition for the good she did, yet her compassion touched countless lives. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A memorial service celebrating Laura’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Gresham United Methodist Church, 620 NW 8th Street, Gresham, Oregon. Family and friends are invited to attend, share their memories, and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honor Laura’s memory to donate to
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