Mary F Tate

Mary Tate, beloved Mother and Grandmother, prize winning pie maker, crocheter of variegated sweaters and many other beautiful items, gardener, homemaker, spontaneous tap dancer, practical joker and animal lover, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 10th, 2015.

Mary was born October 31st, 1920 in Grandview, Washington to

Mary Sarah Hale and Wilbur Wesley Flint. Mary was predeceased by her two siblings, older brother, Wilbur (Nelda) Flint and younger sister, Myrtle (Junior) Orr.

Mary spent most of her childhood in Shelton, Washington, finishing her education in Port Angeles where she graduated from high school in 1940. Mary attended several of her high school reunions, the last one being her 65th class reunion, (she Joked that there wouldn't be anyone left for a 70th reunion.) Winnie, her beloved friend from high school is still living in Port Angeles, Washington.

Mary met her future husband, Herbert Elmer Tate, in Port Angeles Washington after she threw an apple at him......apparently that convinced him that she was the one and they where married February 1st, 1941. Mary and Herb moved to California after WWII.

They lived in San Diego, Poway, and Escondido where their son Wesley was raised. They moved back to Washington in the late seventies, settling in Olympia. After 44 years of marriage Herb passed away in 1985.

Mary is survived by three children, Karen (Gary) Burkett-Olympia WA, Charlene (Bob) Deal-Olympia WA and Wesley (Denise) Tate-Escondido

CA. Ten Grandchildren, Kathy Bowman, Bobbie Lovell, Danny Lovell, Sally Clark, Bill Loew, David Lovell, Tina Bartron, Greg Loew, Diana Tate and Stephan Tate. Also many Great and Great-Great Grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, niece, Marlyce, great granddaughter, Gretchen and beloved daughter, Lareen Loew.

Mary was a wonderful cook, making a horrendous mess in the kitchen while making many culinary masterpieces. At times family members would conveniently stop by at dinnertime to partake in her simple but yummy dinners. She received many requests for her apple pie, Chinese noodles, chicken potpie and fruitcake. It gave her great pleasure to feed her family. She loved it when her sons in law Gary and Bob requested a special pie or other baked good.

Mary was a loving mother but she really stepped up her game when it came to grand-mothering. She was known as Grandma to many of her grandchildren's friends and all were welcomed into her home. She was always proud of her children and grandchildren, and was always there to listen to them and give a hug whenever needed.

She was a practical joker who once put a piece of cardboard in her husband's sandwich, and the "Fake" dog poop was always a big hit with the Grandkids. Many spontaneous parties occurred at Grandma's over the years including the famous "hat parties."

She loved to crochet and made many beautiful afghans, tablecloths, sweaters, and doilies for family and friends. Unfortunately, she never lived down the matching variegated sweaters she crocheted for grandsons Bobbie, Danny and David (we have the picture!!!). To make Grandma mad we would ask her if there was a sale on variegated yarn that week!!!

Grandma was known to break out in dance at any given time, and many of us grandkids were her dance partner (polka was one of her favorites). She was also known to do a tap dance out of the blue. Although she was a lady, she did let an occasional cuss word slip out (daily), and it always made us snicker....When Granny was mad it was hilarious!!! She entertained the grandkids with her many talents, such as fluttering her eyelashes and whistling while she talked.

Mary made friends where ever she lived and many became pen pals over the years...she was a faithful letter writer.

Mary and Herb were famous for their road trips and Mary was always sure to help out by telling him how to drive. She did however have a back seat drivers license, given to her by Herb. She never did get her drivers license and from the stories that have been told of her few driving experiences that is probably for the best.

After Herb passed Mary took many trips with her children and Grandchildren, going to Disneyland for the first time in her 60's, and flying for the first time in her ?O's. Mary lived on her own until the age of 91, when she became "roommates" with her daughter Charlene.

We are all heartbroken at the loss of our SPECIAL Mom, Grandmother, and Friend. Memories of Mary will bring many smiles and much laughter. She will live forever in our hearts.

Services for Mary will be Friday, September 18th at Mills and Mill funeral home, Tumwater, WA.

There will be a viewing at 12:00 p.m. Services will start at 1:00 p.m. with a short graveside service following.

Donations in Mary's name can be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Association or Seattle Children's Hospital.