Mary Encinas Hecox

Our sweet, beloved mother left us on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the age of 96. She is reunited with the love of her life, Joseph Hecox. Mom was born May 20, 1921 in Sherman, CA to Juan Encinas and Mauricia Enriquez and was raised in Madera CA. She met our dad while working at the Mare Island ammunition factory stenciling bomb casings. It was love at first sight for dad, not so much for mom. However, dad was tenacious and they were married on August 22, 1946 in Madera. After their honeymoon, they moved to Yakima, WA (where dad had been born and raised) and made their home until their deaths. Their love affair lasted for over 70 years.

Dad wanted six children and mom wanted two, so they settled on four. Mom was involved with Cub Scouts, Blue Birds, 4-H, Room Mother and PTA at St. Paul’s School as well as working at Libby’s Food Cannery. She volunteered at St. Vincent Food Bank, St. Paul’s mailing crew and funeral team. She was a member of the Young Ladies Institute of Yakima and a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Dad and mom enjoyed camping with their children, grandchildren and friends: Bud McConnell and May Johnsen. Mom had a special group of friends: Margaret Robinson, Mary Ann Leonard and May Johnsen. We called them the 4 M’s.

We were so blessed to have her as our mom. She was funny, loving, caring and always smiling. We celebrate her life and know she is holding hands with our dad and overjoyed to be together again. We want to thank the staff at Covenant House for the loving care they gave mom for the last 1 ½ years.

Survivors include two sons: Bill (Pam) Hecox, of Lake Tapps, WA; Ray (Nancy) Hecox of Selah, WA; two daughters: Carol (Rick) Hokanson of Chesterton, IN; Marilyn (Rick) Mason of Yakima, WA. Nine grandchildren: Patrick Hecox, Sarah Hecox, Joe (Lucy) Hecox, Matt (Chisa) Hecox, Zach Hecox, Greg (Katie) Hokanson, Mark (Katie) Hokanson, Noel Mason (Mark) and Nicole (Sean) Curtis; twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Nick Ruiz, Angelo (Andy) Encinas; John Encinas; sister: Virginia Gomez and great-grand-daughter, Ashley Hecox.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Hospice or charity of your choice c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 5, 2017 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 5:30 p.m. at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral. Mary will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

To share a memory of Mary, please visit www.keithandkeith.com