Katherine Stein

Our sweet mom, Kathryn Mercedes "Katie" Stein, slipped away in the quiet, early morning hours of July 17, 2016. She was born in Burlington, Iowa on October 28, 1923 to Albert E. and Ethyl M. LeRoy. When mom was 8, the family migrated from Iowa, via California, finally settling in Olympia, Washington, where her father, a watchmaker and jeweler, opened his own store, LeRoy Jewelers, in 1931.

Known by Mercedes for more than half her life, our mom graduated from Olympia High School in 1941. She met her future husband, Milton C. Stein, during the war years at a Tacoma USO dance and they were married February 17, 1946. They welcomed 3 children between 1947 and 1954. They were married for 67 years when Milt died in 2013.

Mercedes loved working in her father's jewelry store; she was a natural born salesperson. The untimely death of her father at the early age of 59 brought about many changes and the store was ultimately sold to the Kluh family. The joy of beautiful things and appreciation of quality jewelry was loving passed on to her children. No one had greater pleasure or excitement for a new piece of jewelry than our mom.

Mercedes went to work for the State of Washington in various departments and ultimately retired from the Liquor Control Board, as the first female purchasing agent. It was during her employment in that department that she chose to be known as Katie. We all thought she did that just to keep us on our toes!

Mom was a sports fan and baseball was her favorite. She had fond memories of walking to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play when she was newly married and living in Chicago. Both mom and dad were avid bowlers and golfers and had great card playing friends. They moved to their "retirement home" near Capital City Golf Course and enjoyed 30 active years of golfing and other different activities with their friends.

Our parents joined The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in 1957 as charter members and continued to be active up until dad's passing.

Katie is survived by her 3 children; son Bob (Judy), daughter Sheri and youngest daughter Patty (Leonard), 3 grand daughters; Angie, Amy and Jenni and 6 great grandchildren; Logan, Devin, Riley, Reanna, Reese and Madilyn Rose...All whom she loved very much! She was predeceased by her husband, her parents and 2 half-sisters - Mary Jane and Betty.

Our mom was our biggest supporter and cheerleader. She always encouraged us to try new things and travel as much as we could. Education was very important to her and she made sure we all graduated with sound college educations. Our parents had a very strong faith and belief in life after death in the Heavenly Kingdom. We are so happy our parents are together again with their family and dear friends. Knowing that gives us peace.

We want to say a special "Thank you" to the staff at Gulke Manor Adult Family in Montesano for the gentle, loving care they provided our mother in her last 6 months of life. She truly felt content and at peace while living there.

A Memorial service will be held at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be directed to The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and then notated to "Caring Ministry".

There will be a reception to follow the church service.