Obituary of Helen Louise (Miller)Loer

Helen Louise Miller Loer, 92, passed away on October 7, 2016 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born on July 17, 1924 in Huntersville, North Carolina to Lee Roy & Rosa Ann Miller. Helen was the only girl in the family; having 2 older brothers – Jesse and Roosevelt, and 1 younger brother, Arthur. Helen was raised during the Great Depression, but enjoyed a wonderful family full of fun, love and laughter. Helen gave her life to Jesus Christ at a young age, and never wavered in her faith for her 92 years, but grew to be an inspiration to all for her love of the Savior, her service to others, and her sweet spirit. Helen’s childhood friend, Rachel Flowers Stokes, remained her best friend to her dying day. Helen graduated from Canon High School in 1943, and began working at hemming washcloths at Canon Mills. Because of her excellent work, she was promoted to time keeper within the company. During World War II, she moved to Washington DC to work for the FBI as a File Clerk/Fingerprint Division, and then returned home to continue working at Canon Mills. She met James Loer, her husband, while singing with a Christian ladies trio at a radio station and he was ministering on the radio. They married on January 18, 1948 and moved to Greenville, South Carolina while James attended Holmes Bible College. Their son, Eric Walter Loer, Sr. was born to them in December 1948. James graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature in May 1951. After graduation, they accepted their first church in Stites, Idaho and moved west. Over the course of 60+ years of ministry for the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) they held pastorates in the following cities: Byington, TN, Stites, ID, Sandpoint, Idaho (3x) Spokane, Washington (2x) Longview, WA, Coeur d Alene, ID (3x), Wallace, ID, Livingston, MT, Niceville, FL, DeKalb, IL, and Ashboro, NC. While living in Sandpoint, ID (the first time) their daughter, Candace Rebecca Loer Johnson was born to them in February 1962. Their ministry specialized in building congregations and structures, utilizing James’ carpentry skills. They left their mark at every place they pastored. Helen supported James’ ministry with her many talents. She played the piano, sang, taught Sunday School, led women’s groups, held the Church Clerk position for several churches, and occasionally was the church transportation for children/elderly people as well. Helen continued with her career as a Secretary and retired from the Federal Civil Service in 1986 with a distinguished career serving at various agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Air Force, and the FBI. We will miss our Mom greatly – her generosity of gifts to all the children, grand-children and great-grandchildren is a cherished memory. Her smile, happy outlook on life, her can-do spirit, and love for life was contagious and has been passed down to her loved ones. Helen was greatly loved, touched countless lives and will be missed by all. She leaves behind her husband of 60+ years, James Loer; her Son, Eric Walter Loer, Sr, his wife, Cheryl Rickey Loer, her daughter, Candace (Kandi) Loer Johnson, her husband, Boyd W. Johnson; Grandchildren: Eric Loer, Jr; Jereme Loer, Becky Loer, Tyrel Melvin, Jason Johnson, Olivia (Johnson) Trepanier, Sharlie (Johnson) Czapla, & Savannah Johnson. Great-grandchildren: Nathan Loer, Joshua Loer, Jessey Loer, Tarah (Loer) Pagaling, Tristin Loer, Meghan Loer, Meadow Loer, Ryan Richart, Melissa Richart, Hailey Trepanier, Jaydrek Czapla, Shanelle Czapla, Dexter Melvin. Great-Great-Grandchildren: Jayden Pagaling, Roman Pagaling. Our hope rests in our faith of our Lord, Jesus Christ that we will meet again. We love you and will miss you always.