Lois Harp passed away on July 31st, 2021, looking out at one of her favorite places - Lake Roosevelt – from the house of her dreams in Lincoln, WA. Friends and family will forever remember the countless afternoons on the beach and water - soaking up sun, deep belly laughs, and making beautiful memories. Lois loved those afternoons and the people she spent them with. Lake Roosevelt was an extension of “home” for Lois, and she got to spend her final days “at home.”
Lois Marie Tiffany was born on November 12th, 1959, in Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated from Canon City High School and married her high school sweetheart, Peter, in 1979. They moved to central Washington in 1986, eventually making Odessa, WA, their hometown until moving to the lake house full-time in early 2021. For 42 years, Pete and Lois were an inspiring example of living out the commitment of “for better or worse.” Lois didn’t waste an opportunity to remind everyone how lucky she was to have Pete as her best friend.
Strength and compassion perhaps best define Lois and the life she lived. As a girl, Lois faced adversity with resolve and determination while only holding on to the memories of kindness and love. As a mom, she was most proud of raising three strong and independent women – each pursuing their dreams and carving their own path. When the first cancer diagnosis came 12 years ago, Lois battled it head-on with unbelievable determination and tenacity while forever expressing her gratitude and concern for others. She was thankful for the many caring friends with whom she would laugh and cry. Even during the “rough” days facing pain and the fear of the unknown, Lois would focus conversations on what was going on in your world. She’d share in your joys and challenges rather than focus on her own. She fiercely loved those around her and, as a result, lived a life full of hope.
Lois is survived by her husband, Peter, her father, Don Tiffany, and her brother and sister, Patty Emerson and Andy Tiffany. She is also survived by her three daughters – Carrie Derner, Beth Goetz, and Jennie Harp – their spouses and five grandchildren. Lois is preceded in death by her mother, Barbra Tiffany, grandparents, and many friends who have also succumbed to the scourge of cancer.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Lois Marie Harp at Odessa’s Heritage Church on Saturday, August 14th, at 10 am. Following the celebration, there will be a brief burial at the Odessa Cemetery. We’ll celebrate Lois with lunch and dessert (her favorite meal) in the basement of Heritage Church. Arrangements have been made in partnership with Strates Funeral Home.
Many – too many - have experienced the dark cloud cancer casts on the places where family and friends once shone. Lois benefitted greatly from the care and treatment from Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The family requests that memorials be dedicated to cancer research or a cancer-fighting organization of your choice. Lois would have loved nothing more than to know she inspired others to take down cancer.
Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is assisting Lois’ family.
Memories and expressions of caring may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com.
