Mrs. Leah K. Koch Sauer

Leah K. Sauer, a long time resident of East County, died on July 20, 2010 in Portland. She was 91 years of age.

Leah was born on September 16, 1918 in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada and was the daughter of Fred and Anna (Biesel) Koch. At a young age she moved with her family to Salem, Oregon and later to McMinnville, Oregon where she graduated from McMinnville High School in 1936.

After High School, she moved to the Portland Area where she met Albert Sauer. They were married on August 15, 1942. They resided in East County for over 50 years.

Leah worked for many years as a secretary at Bonneville Power. She also was the Bookkeeper for their family business, Bee Appliance that was located in Portland. Albert and Leah sold the business and retired in 1981. Albert preceded Leah in death in 1983.

She was a life time member of the first Covenant Church in Portland where she was a Sunday school teacher and very involved with the Compassion Social Justice Board. She also volunteered her time with the American Mother’s Association, the Seven Step Foundation at the Oregon State Penitentiary and the Belmont Drop-in Center along with mentoring to many individuals in the Portland Area. She was also awarded Oregon Mother of the Year in 1970.

Leah had a great passion for helping people. Her Christian way of life encouraged her to concentrate on service to people in need. She was a crusader for community and mental health and was a believer in the restoration of life. She saw the best in people and helped them to see the good in themselves, encouraging them to change their life’s course to one that was meaningful and healthy.

Leah also enjoyed gardening and cooking. Anyone that came to visit was expected to stay for dinner. Everyone was welcome in her home. She was loving, caring, non judgmental and hospitable; a true role model for her children, grandchildren, church family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Rod (wife, Doris) Sauer of Damascus, daughter, Roxanne (Husband, Joe) Krause of Happy Valley, sisters, Erica Kaiser of Portland, Mary Koch of McMinnville, Lydia Zimmerman of Bakersfield, California and Laura Thompson of Kalama, Washington and brothers, Ezra Koch of McMinnville, Fred Koch Jr. of McMinnville and Paul Koch of Milwaukie along with 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her husband, Albert, daughters, Charlene Sauer and Shelly Greene-Johnson and sister, Martha Johnson all preceded her in death.

A Memorial Service will be held at The First Covenant Church, 107 NE 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97213, on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 2:30 pm. A Private Family Graveside will take Place at Willamette National Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, July 26, 2010 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Contributions may be made in memory of Leah to the Leah Sauer Memorial Fund at the First Covenant Church.