Liana Carol Schoening

On April 9, 2025, I lost Liana/Lidy, my beautiful wife of almost 63 years, to lung cancer that was diagnosed too late to save her. She spent three weeks in the hospital, then, with hospice care, came home to where she wanted to be. She passed away nine days later. She had hoped to be strong enough to receive treatment. Sadly, it was not to be.

Lidy grew up in Skokomish Valley with her parents, Bob and Dory Whitmarsh, three sisters, Diana, Deana, LeeAnna and brother Bob. Lidy was an avid reader, always a top student, an active member of 4-H youth and leadership programs, and a 1962 graduate of Irene S Reed High School.

Her parents, sister LeeAnna, and brother Bob preceded her in death.

In 1954 my family travelled from our home in southern California to visit my aunts and their families. Fortunately, they also lived in Skokomish Valley, and in the same neighborhood as the Whitmarsh family. I met Lidy when I was twelve and she was ten. We visited Washington again in 1956. I told my aunts on both those occasions as we left to head back to California that I was going to marry Lidy someday. I moved to Washington in 1959 to finish high school and fulfill that prophecy.

Lidy and I were high school sweethearts and married on July 28, 1962, soon after she graduated. We had three children, Tammy (Scott McDougall), Debbie (Robert Moody) and Jeff (Richele), who gave us ten grandchildren. Those grandchildren, in turn gave us twenty-one great-grandchildren. She loved nd cherished each and every one. Taking care of children, especially "the grands," was her choice and her career, and she excelled in her profession.

While I worked in both the Mason County Sheriff's and Thurston County Sheriff's offices (retired), Lidy worked for Washington State for fourteen years, then she quit to stay home and take care of "her babies" for 35+ years. At times she would have fourteen plus kids at the house, including our own. Last fall, she was still picking up some of our "great-grand" after school, taking them home, entertaining and playing with them until one of their parents came home from work. She was the best wife, mom, and grandma that any child could hope for. We all love and miss her very much.

Lidy had the cutest smile and giggle. She baked yummy cookies, but more importantly, she was generous soul with a quick wit and warm heart. Lidy cared deeply about her family and friends and, although busy, always tried to keep in touch.

Woman, I will love and miss you forever. I'll always cherish the good times and memories we made together. We had a good run, didn't we? I will always love you.

Yor loving husband, Brian.

There will be a celebration of life for Lidy on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Columbia Hall, 6794 Martin Way East, Lacey, WA. All who knew her are invited to attend.