Mary Ellen Van Hees

Mary was a nurse living in Winthrop, WA when she met Judith Van Hees of Yakima, WA. A great romance ensued, and she moved to Yakima in 1997 and married the love of her life.

She then decided to start a new adventure owning a cleaning a business. She was successful at this for several years, until she started working part time for JV Accounting.

She loved her family BIG, and never knew a stranger. She kept a welcoming home and loved the many critters that shared it over the years. Especially Lil Boy & Susy Q. She loved traveling and had many adventures with her wife and extended family: Natalie Niemi, Alisan Knight and their two children Jordan & Cooper (her grandkids were the light of her life!); and Christina & Luke Stutzman. She had a wonderful relationship with her sister Cheryl, and visited her in Twisp on many occasions. She also had a world full of friends. Mary loved rock hounding, making walking sticks, fishing, camping, and traveling the globe with her wife.

Judith & Mary hosted an annual Luau at their River Ranch, on Chinook Pass for 18 years that would bring together friends and family from all over. The River Ranch was their dream home, which they wanted to share with everyone.

Mary suffered from severe COPD, which kept her from one of her loves, hiking. But she was still always ready for an ADVENTURE. She is now breathing the fresh air of heaven and dancing in the clouds.

Mary is survived by her wife of 27 years, Judith Van Hees, sister Cheryl Judd of Twisp, WA, and her extended family and numerous friends.

A Celebration of Mary's Life will take place in the Spring of 2025.

Keith & Keith Funeral Home in entrusted with her care. You can visit www.keithandkeith.com to share fond memories and expressions of sympathy with the Van Hees family.