Obituary: Leota Lariza

Leota Elaine Lariza, “Lee,” passed away Oct. 1, 2024, in Hood River, Oregon. Lee was born Aug. 1, 1932, and was 92 years of age at the time of her passing. Lee was born in Pierre, South Dakota, to Aleta and Ralph Harvey. She moved with her family to Bremerton, Washington, and attended Western Washington University and received her masters in education. She met and soon thereafter married Frank Lariza.

Lee and Frank moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she taught elementary at Junction City, Oregon, while Frank received his doctorate from the University of Oregon. They then moved to Hood River, where Frank became superintendent and Lee taught at Chenowith Elementary in The Dalles, Oregon. She then taught third grade at Mosier Elementary in Mosier, Oregon. At this time, both she and Frank bought their first orchard in Hood River. Some years later, both Lee and Frank retired and traveled together and had all sorts of adventures together. Frank passed away in 2003.