Laurie Josephine Schwartz

Laurie Josephine (Higgins) Schwartz passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Yakima, Washington, at the age of 99. She was born in Edmonds, Washington June 28, 1925, to Hubert Homer and Edna Alice (Burr) Higgins.

Laurie lived a life dedicated to her Lord, Jesus Christ, to her husband of more than 60 years, Luther "Luke", and to her five children. After a childhood in the Sumner, Washington area, she attended Sumner High School, then was married at age 17. Luke joined the navy and was involved in several campaigns in the South Pacific during WWII. When he returned home from the war, they resided in several Western Washington communities, finally settling in Little Rock, Washington, where they lived until Luke's passing in 2009.

After Luke's death, Laurie was taken in by her daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Ron Braaten, who cared for her with compassion and duty for 16 years, in their Yakima home. No amount of thanks and admiration is adequate for their sacrificial love and care..

Luke and Laurie produced five children, all of whom have been married longer than 50 years. They include Andrew (Theresa); Vicki (Ronald); William (Marilyn); Timothy (Kathy); and Robin (Maribeth). These marriages produced 22 grandchildren, whom Laurie adored and supported in every way, mostly in prayer. There are over 60 great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.

Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father August Krause, her husband Luke, her brother William Higgins, her sister Thelma (Salvage) Kempf, and great-grandchild Judah. Survivors include her five children, their spouses, and innumerable grand and great-grandchildren.

Laurie survived horrific childhood trauma, but never let it define who she was. Rather, her identity was in her relationship to her Lord and Savior. Much more could be said of her life, but it is summarized in the Apostle Pauls's words in the book of Philipians, Chapter 1, verse 21: "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Laurie has gained eternity with her Lord, her departed loved ones, and most preciously, with her beloved husband, Luke.

A private family graveside service will take place March 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Mills and Mills Cemetery in Tumwater, Washington, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.