Trellis Mae Schaar

Age - 87

Trellis Mae (Robbins) Schaar passed away peacefully on January 23, 2016, at Spokane Hospice House; she was 87. Her last hours, days and weeks were surrounded by family and friends. Trellis is preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Walter John Schaar, and by her son, Michael Charles Schaar. She is survived by her children: James (Kerry) Schaar of Crookston, MN; Carol (David) Shirk of Nashville, TN; and Jeannie Schaar of Sammamish WA. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren: Gail Schaar of Portland OR; Eric (Julie) Schaar of Sammamish WA; Samuel (Rachelle) Schaar of Stanwood WA; Alexandra Schaar of Moscow, ID; Timothy (Paige) Shirk of Washington DC; Lisa Shirk of Washington DC and Carissa Shirk of Chico CA. Her great-grandchildren include: Cadence Walter Schaar; Elsie Rachelle Schaar; Casey Michael Schaar, and Lila Michelle Schaar. She is also survived by her niece Lori Wise of Spokane WA and many other relatives and friends.

Trellis was born on Christmas Day—her favorite holiday—in 1928 in Alberta, Canada. After a series of events, she was adopted by her loving parents John and Trellis Robbins and eventually settled in Spokane Washington. Although she was an only child she loved the joy of many friends and relatives to share life with, like cousin and lifelong friend, Margaret Painter.

Trellis graduated from Rogers High School in Spokane in 1947. She attended Eastern Washington State College where she met, and then married, Walter Schaar in 1951. After Walt’s service in the Air Force they settled their young family in Spokane and raised their three kids. Though work later moved them to several cities, Spokane always called them back home. Trellis was actively involved for years with Hamblen Presbyterian Church and also a member of the Hamblen Park Garden Club for over fifty years. She also loved sewing, making everything from baby clothes to wedding dresses. Her creativity and craft making was something she and Walt loved to work on together.

Though she had many hobbies her main heartbeat was obvious. Trellis joyfully gave herself for the love of her entire family. She provided her three children with a secure and warm home in which they knew they were always cherished. That love and joy easily spilled over to her next pride—the 'Magnificent Seven,' as she called her grandchildren and great grands. Sporting events; School concerts, Twenty-five different graduations; Christmas events, and every Birthday were remembered and uniquely filled with love by Trellis.

In addition to family, Trellis loved to open her home to others. She joyfully hosted her many friends, neighbors and the local community for parties, dinners and social events. Even in her final years, she enjoyed giving hospitality to hundreds of overnight guests!

Her childhood experiences taught Trellis that life is more fun and fulfilling when shared with others and she was generous in sharing what she had with so many. She also realized that the Lord had held her and kept her and that He had guided her along the way throughout her life.

We all loved her very much. Our lives and the world is a better place because Trellis entered it. We will miss her and do our best to make the world a better place with all that she taught us.

A memorial service will be held at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church at

4102 S. Crestline in Spokane, WA 99223 on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Spokane Hospice Centers.