Toppenish—Mary Louise McEwen, 81, of Toppenish passed away at the Providence Hospital, Toppenish, on Friday, November 27, 1998. She was born on January 24, 1917 in Ashley, ND, the daughter of John and Mary Hyde.
When she was three-years-old, the family moved to Quilcene, Washington, where she was raised and educated. She moved to Granger in 1945. She married Ralph McEwen [son of Oscar McEwen and Mary Peffers of Ellensburg]on March 25, 1978.
Mary’s hobbies included crocheting, feeding the animals and spending time at Liberty where she and Ralph had a summer home. She was an avid traveler and had visited many countries including Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Japan, Tahiti, Italy, Malaysia and Hawaii. She could give lessons on how to prepare and pack for a trip!
She was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church of Zillah, serving on many committees. She also enjoyed her time as a member of Eastern Star. Mary had worked for a time at both Del Monte and Stokleys.
Mary is survived by her husband, Ralph of the residence; three sons, Jack Childress and his wife, Nancy of Poquoson, VA, Ron Childress and his wife, Diana Menton of Chandler, AZ and Art McEwen of Yakima; two daughters, Fay Halsted of Tonasket, WA and Barbara Lilly of Yakima, WA; thirteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one great grandson, one daughter, six siblings and her parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. in the Christ Episcopal Church in Zillah. Concluding services and burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery, Toppenish.
Viewing will be today, Tuesday, December 1, 1998 at the Colonial Funeral Home Chapel and prior to service time on Wednesday.
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman
