Mary Bliss

Mary Bliss, 92, passed away at Royal Vista Nursing and Rehab Center April 3, 2013, after a 3-month illness. She was thankful to have been able to be at home until she had to go to Royal Vista.

Mary was born at home on Moe Rd March 5, 1921, to Scottish immigrants, Kate (McKelvie) and Jim Robertson. She was born, raised and lived her entire life in the Kittitas Valley, loving the Ellensburg wind. She missed hearing the wind howl and train whistles while at Royal Vista!

Like many others who grew up in the tough and lean times of the depression and World War II-era, and because of her 100% Scotch ancestry (of which she was very proud), her motto was “you eat it, you use it, you wear it out”. Nothing left our house with the buttons on it or zipper in it when it was worn out.

Mary attended the Number 6 Rd area country schools and graduated from Ellensburg High School. She married Earl Bliss on April 7, 1942, before Earl left for service in World War II. She worked at the local laundry until his return. Together, they raised three children. Mary was a homemaker who liked her home and enjoyed being at home, having “tea and cookies” parties, gardening, crafts, making her own Christmas cards, animals, birds, and old-fashioned country life.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; sister, Annie Richeson; brother, Swede Robertson; daughter, Catherine Papineau; and son, Rod. She is survived by daughter, Connie; three granddaughters, Whitney Cieslar, Kira Bliss and Marcy (Papineau) Roth; son-in-law, David Papineau and wife Bette; daughter-in-law, Janis Bliss; special nieces, Laurie Richeson and Carolyn Sorenson; and numerous friends, neighbors, nieces, and nephews. We’re all saddened she wasn’t able to see her first great-grandchild, due in mid-April.

Services will be Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Steward & Williams Tribute Center at 3:00 p.m. with viewing at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in her name may be made to Hope Source, 700 E Mountain View Ave, Ellensburg, or the Ellensburg Fire Dept., 102 N Pearl St, Ellensburg. Condolences for the family can be left at www.steward-williams.com.