Lora Maurine Portz, 96, passed away on January 4, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Maurine was born in Centerfield, Utah in 1926 to Olef Leroy Tuft and Lora (Lisonbee) Tuft. Lora's paternal grandmother, Josephine, was a member of Mormon royalty, having survived the Willie Handcart Company's crossing of the American West in 1856. Lora grew up in Utah, graduating high school and eventually taking a clerical job in Salt Lake City. In November 1943 she met a soldier named Dean Portz at a Salt Lake roller-skating rink. He was on leave from army aviator military training in Mountain Home, Idaho. They were married on December 8, 1944, and remained dedicated partners until Dean's passing in 2018. Well beyond their golden anniversary, they were married for 73 years.

Lora was quite an artist in various disciplines. We recall as children her work in oil paintings. When she tried watercolors, she found her finest talent. She was also an award-winning quilter; many of her friends and family have lovely examples of her work.

Lora is survived by two loving sons, Bruce (Susan) and Kevin (Joel) and two grandchildren, Trevor (Alicia) and Jeremy. Lora was predeceased by her youngest son, Scott in 1981. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, January 11 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 12 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. Lora will rest next to Dean and Scott. Lora was a fine artist, chef, and master of crossword puzzles. She was a loving human, great mother, and is greatly missed. Moore's Southlawn, 918-663-2233. Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com