Mary Lou Huff
Obituary
Mary Lou Huff
August 22, 1928 – October 18, 2016
Our sweet and wonderful mom, Mary Lou (Young) Huff, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. She was born on August 22, 1928 in Estes Park, Colorado to Grady and LaRue Young. She grew up in Estes Park until the age of 6, then lived at Colorado Springs School for the Deaf during the school year until she was 14. While living in Estes Park as a child, she lived with her parents, younger sister and brother at the town’s Fish Hatchery where her father was Superintendent. As a child, the Rocky Mountains were her backyard including a pet deer named Rolly.
Mary Lou was 14 when her family moved to Grand Coulee, Washington where her father was a welder on the Grand Coulee Dam from 1942 to 1948. During that time, she lived at the Vancouver School for the Deaf near Portland, Oregon where she met her future husband, Donald Everett Huff. In 1948, Mary Lou moved with her parents to Tracy, California where her father became a heavy equipment operator. Don kept in touch with Mary Lou for two years by mail, eventually driving to Tracy to marry her on January 15, 1950.
Don and Mary Lou lived in Spokane with Donald’s parents from 1950 to 1963 where their first four children, Donna, Terry, Kristy and Sue were born. The family moved to Kent in 1963 to live closer to Don’s place of employment at a Salmon Cannery in Seattle. In 1965, their fifth child, Jerry, was born in Seattle.
Don passed away from lung cancer in August of 1975, when he was 50 years old. Don and Mary Lou were able to celebrate their “25th” wedding anniversary in January of that same year.
Mary Lou loved taking care of her five children; had a lifelong love of animals and pets; enjoyed crocheting afghans, tablecloths and doilies; collecting stamps and coins, loved Disney characters and movies, as well as, putting together jigsaw puzzles. Mary Lou collected Shirley Temple dolls and Mickey Mouse memorabilia since they all shared the same birth year of 1928.
At family events, vacations and most other times, Mary Lou would have her multiple cameras and video recorder making sure she took every needed photo of family and friends. And yes, you had to be in the picture!
Mary Lou was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Renton for 39 years who dearly loved and treasured her Church Family. A “Celebration of Life” for Mary Lou will be held on November 12th at 12:00 noon at her Church – 1032 Edmonds Ave NE – Renton, WA 98056.
Mary Lou loved living in her home in Kent for 45 years before she moved in with her oldest daughter, Donna and son-in-law, Tom in Auburn, Washington in 2009 when she was 81. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012 and moved to a wonderful Memory Care Facility called Auburn Meadows in February 2016 where she lived for 8 months getting wonderful love and care and many “hugs” from the loving Caregivers. Mary Lou also attended “School” every Wednesday for a year and half at Cherished Acres in Auburn.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and LaRue Young; her brother, Lee Young; and her husband, Donald Huff.
Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Phyllis Buck of Cool, California; her children, Donna (Tom) Rohde of Auburn, Washington; Terry Huff of Spokane, Washington; Kristy (Charles) Standridge of Kasilof, Alaska; Sue Ulmer of Stockton, California; and Jerry (Anna) Huff of Tacoma, Washington.
Her 11 grandchildren include: Cindy (Denvie) Wright; Darrin Huff; Brian (Shawna) Huff; Jeff (Tatiana) Standridge; Jenna (Derek) Ratliff; Joshua (Amanda) Ulmer; Bretten Ulmer; Talina Stafford, JC (Rachelle) Rohde; Michael (Amy) Rohde; and Angela Ness.
Her 17 great-grandchildren are: Kailyn (Jordan) Wolf; Tucker, Jayce, MJ, Parker and Serenity Rohde; Drayson Huff; Tyler, Jayce, Tayte and Mylah Standridge; Lilian, Jaxon and Adalyn Ratliff; Zachary and Blake Ulmer; and baby-to-be Luciana Marie due in December.
Mary Lou also has two great-great-granddaughters: Kaydence and Miah Wolf.
Mary Lou “touched the hearts” of everyone who met her and she will be truly missed!
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Auburn Meadows “Expressions” Memory Care Wing where Mary Lou lived for eight months receiving excellent care and “many hugs” from the Caregivers, Med Tech’s and Staff at 945 – 22nd St NE – Auburn, WA 98002.
Mom’s graveside service today, October 25, 2016, was beautiful. Just a little bit of rain then some sun! Her pastor had such a calming voice and nice presentation. My heart hurts but I know she is in heaven now with Dad and all our family members who have gone before her. I love you mom, and miss you already! Sue
I was fortunate to have met Mary Lou through her daughter Donna. Although it was later in her life when I met her, I was able to experience her warmth and sparkle. My sincerest condolences go out to Donna, Tom and all of Mary Lou’s family. Geri
My four siblings and I were Blessed to have such a sweet, loving and wonderful mom throughout our lives and we will dearly miss her!!! She truly touched the “hearts of everyone” who ever met her. We are happy that she is with God and her family in Heaven and the best part – “She Can Hear”!!!
I will miss you, my sweet friend. I’m looking forward to many wonderful talks when we meet again!
I love you grandma. I’ll miss hearing your voice even though you couldn’t say any words.
There is and always will be a reserved spot in my heart for you, Grandma. We shared many great times together and these are memories that only you and I will call our own. My episodes of gently patting your permed head of hair when seeing you will be forever a lasting wrinkle of memory we shared. I love you.
I really do remember this beautiful woman and I barely know her at Calvary Baptist Deaf Church in the past when I attended. What did I see in her is that she really was very gentle and kind woman just like the interpreter Irene Stark. Now she is with Jesus and watch over her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many more to come. I hope that her whole families had a great moments to know her.
Doug and I will miss you Mary Lou. We always enjoyed seeing you at our square dance lunches. Some how we managed to communicate, with help from Donna. You had an extraordinary life. Enjoy the Heavenly chorus.
Karen and Doug.
Mary Lou was a gentle and lovely lady who always wanted to give a warm hug and loved receiving them. She always asked about you when she saw you.
She was so fortunate to have a loving family that always looked out for her. She was loving and it was easy to do.
She will be truly missed, but was fortunate to have those 80 plus years.
We enjoyed seeing Mary Lou at the square dances. She always seemed to have a smile on her face and welcomed visits. Donna was a very devoted daughter as was son-in-law,Tom. Family ties are thick! We know that she is in a MUCH better place with her maker. Thanks for the memories!
What a pleasure it was to have Marylou come visit us here at Soos Creek Water & Sewer District. Marylou is a beautiful person and I can’t wait to see her again as is a promise from our Grand Creator (Rev 21:4) and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped (Isa 35:5). How wonderful it will be when we see our loved ones in all their youth and vigor praising Him for the wonderfulness of his work. Thank you Donna for bringing Marylou to be a part of our lives and part of our prayers.
Loved seeing Mary Lou at our square dances. She loved receiving and giving hugs to all of us.She was such a sweet,loving lady. I will always remember her beautiful smile. Miss her.
Mary Lou had an extremely large, yet loving and caring family. We send our thoughts and prayers to her and her family. Now we know where Donna got her photography bug. Capturing memories on film is one way for great, great grandchildren like Kaydence and Miah to know Mary Lou in the prime of her life. She will be missed dearly.
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS IF YOUR MOM DONNA…SHE US NOW RESTING IN PEACE; IM VERY GLAD I GOT THE CHANCE TO SEE HER WHEN I WAS THERE ON OCT 3rd….I WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN PRAYER….your friend Cathy C
A dear sweet lady. We all enjoyed her at our square dancing
events, giving us many warm memories.
Mary was a very nice lady and seem to have a good time at the square dances. Mary was a little hard to communicate with as she could not hear what you said but did almost always have a smile on her face.
God has received a beautiful woman into his choir. You have touched our lives and we are forever grateful.
Love, S & B
What a beautiful woman and write up.thank you. For sharing it with me Donna…she will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to her whole family. Mary Lou was a wonderful Aunt and person. I loved to be with her and to have her laugh at my antics.
Miss Her!
What a sweetheart Marylou was. I’m going to miss her sweet face and precious hug & kiss that she was always sure to give. Donna & Tom you included her on so many trips and events that made her life very special. She was also blessed with such wonderful supportive children. I know she’s home with the Lord now but she will always be in our hearts.
I still think of Mary Lou often. She was such a beautiful and loving soul. I really enjoyed getting to spend the time with her that I did, and I know she brought so much joy to all of us at her last home. She always brought a smile to my face. May Mary Lou continue to rest in peace.