Loretta Haden Krieger

Loretta Haden Krieger was born May 4, 1930 in Tonasket WA to Georgia W. Gavin and Louis J. Haden, and she "rose to live again," on November 20, 2023. She attended school in Okanogan before moving to Yakima in 1943 where she attended Broadway, Franklin, and Yakima High School. In 1949 Loretta married George Krieger, with whom she raised a family, Kevin Krieger and Dana Moore.

During her life Loretta held several occupations: working for Safeway, then a family-owned dry goods store in Zillah, for John Deere, and the WA State Fruit Commission. Always having a passion for learning, Loretta went back to school -- Central Washington University -- at the age of 39 to gain her Bachelor's degree and subsequent Master's (she'd tell you she also had post-graduate education at UC Berkeley and University of Nantes, France). Loretta used those degrees to teach at West Valley High School for 20 years (1972-1992) where she gained her closest and most long-lasting friends.

Loretta was passionate about her family and the pursuit of knowledge through travel and books. Her list of countries visited (she went to all seven continents!) is dwarfed only by her list of books read. Some of the high points of her travels include Ayers Rock in Australia, the fjords in Norway, the Sphinx in Egypt, and a balloon ride over Puget Sound. She instilled her passion for travel into her family by taking her children, their spouses, and grandchildren on a multitude of trips. She also was integral in making sure everyone had the resources for an advanced education -- both financially and practically. Her grandchildren will tell you that Loretta not only read most of the books for their university courses but often would proofread essays and term papers before they were handed in.

Loretta was a loving, selfless woman. She was always the first to pick up a restaurant tab or help out someone in need. She dedicated herself to volunteering in classrooms, endearing herself to the point where some of the children affectionately referred to her as "grandma." She has touched many lives.

She is survived by her brother Scot Charles (Peggy) daughter Dana Moore (Mike) grandchildren Danielle Krieger (Casey) Andrew Clauson (Marlana) Hannah Clauson (Tim) Julia Krieger (Zach) great granddaughter Amelia Moore (Ryan) and special friends, Susan Yates, Julie Larson, Cindy Williams, and Rosemary Leiva (John). She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, George Krieger, and her son Kevin Krieger (Debbie).

A memorial of her life will be held at Englewood Christian Church, 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima, WA 98908, Friday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Krieger family.