Mary Lou Hagreen

Mary Lou Hagreen, 68, was born in Anchorage Nov. 8, 1946. She passed away on Feb. 20, 2015, in Yuma, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her mother, LaVonne Goodrich; and brother, Royal Johnson.

She graduated from Palmer High School in 1964 and maintained life-long friendships with many of her classmates and loved attending class reunions, including their 50^th reunion last summer.

She attended Eastern Washington University before marrying Gene Hagreen on July 17, 1965. Theirs was a love that we wish for all who read this notice. They enjoyed traveling and exploring new places and had a vast array of interests that are too numerous to list in its entirety, but included gold panning, camping, watching movies, and spending time with family.

Mary Lou was very supportive of her children and actively volunteered in their schools; participated in their activities; and lovingly encouraged their personal and professional lives. She made beautiful quilts; afghans that are treasured; amazing sugar cookies, and the best potato salad west of the Mississippi.

She was an avid gardener; an accomplished fisherman and hunter; and an all-around outdoorswoman. Her love of the environment began during her childhood with summers spent on her grandmother’s homestead, Lake Ida, in Alaska, and continued through adventures with Gene and their children. She was cherished and respected by many who felt she was a rock of support and encouragement.

She is survived by her beloved family; her devoted husband of more than 49 years, Gene; daughters, Stacey Hagreen of Spokane Valley, Washington, and Christy White (Ralph) of Spokane Valley,Washington; son, JR (Emily) of Columbia Falls, Montana; grandsons, Trent and Colt White; granddaughter Natalie Hagreen; aunt Kitty Mize of Yuma, Arizona; and several special nieces and nephews.

In honor of Mary Lou, her family asks that you follow her example by showing respect and kindness to each other. Live your lives with love, joy, laughter, and a sense of adventure! Travel to new places, expand your experience; stop to smell flowers and watch wildlife. With so much to see and do; interesting people to meet; fun experiences to enjoy; we ask that you seize the day … every day! She told us, “If you’re not happy with your life — change it — be courageous. We all make our own choices — I did. No regrets.”

If you wish, donations can be made to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice. A memorial service for Mary Lou is at 2 p.m., March 21 at Zion Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, Washington. All are welcome.