Mary Evelyn Van Amburg

Mary Evelyn Van Amburg, 77, of Yakima, Washington, died April 16, 2016. Mary, daughter of Oliver and Eva Bailey, and devoted wife to Charles Van Amburg, passed away at The Cottage in the Meadow after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mary grew up in Yakima, attending Yakima High and graduating in 1956. Soon after, Mary and Chuck met at a family party. They were joined together in marriage on January 5, 1957. Charles was drafted into the Army where they spent the next few years, traveling to Virginia before being discharged in 1961. Mary and Chuck decided to move back to Washington, first to the Renton area and later to Yakima. Mary spent her time working in the insurance field, at Pacific Fruit and later at Crescent Convalescent Center, retiring in 1996.

Mary was an avid outdoorsman and snowmobiler. She spent many an hour volunteering for the Department of Natural Resources, where she earned a lifetime achievement award, and the Yakima Ski Benders, where she earned their 5 star award. She also volunteered for the Washington State Forest Service, Washington State Snowmobile Association, All Tracks to Olympia, Firewise, State Parks and Recreation, and the Washington State Grooming Council. Mary enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with her family. She found it important that her children and grandchildren took gun safety courses.

Mary met and made friends easily. Even though she retired from the insurance industry, she continued to meet with her coworkers monthly for lunch. Mary could often be found walking her beloved dog, Bryce, at Kissel Park, stopping along the way to talk with fellow dog lovers.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Van Amburg, her children Mike and Liz Van Amburg of Yakima, Bob and Laura Van Amburg also of Yakima, seven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, her sister Carol Lancaster of Texas and brother Ed Bailey of Minnesota.

A family graveside service will be held at West Hills Memorial Park on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

A memorial service will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cottage in the Meadow.

To celebrate the life of Mary and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.