Lola Gerdes, 74, of Harlan, Oregon passed away peacefully at the Corvallis hospital on Sunday with her family at her side. She was born in Parshall, Colorado to Gerald Lloyd and Thelma (McCall) Watt. She was raised and educated there; becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Lola met and married Rieke Gerdes. With a blended family, Theresa, Kevin, and Jeff, they enjoyed many adventures together.

They moved to Harlan in 1981. Lola worked in healthcare until her retirement.

Lola was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. She always put others’ needs before her own.

She was an animal lover, always taking in a stray. Cats were her constant companions, especially her beloved “Jack.” Her return visits to “home” in Colorado were few and far between, but she always came back with smiles and laughter of time spent with friends and loving memories made with her sister, Marilyn, and family.

Lola is survived by: her daughter, Theresa; step-son, Kevin; sister, Marilyn Guire, of Colorado; grandson, Kyle; granddaughters, Victoria, Vanessa, and Calista; great-granddaughter, Rose; and great-grandson, Liam; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Colorado and Georgia.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; step-son, Jeff; and brother, Glenn.

An informal Remembrance will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Bart January Community Hall in Harlan. All who knew Lola and family are welcome.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.