Family and friends will honor the life and love of Mary Ellen (Geier) Poffenroth Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott, WA, where it all began for her. Mary was born to Conrad and Mae (Scheuerman) Geier October 4, 1932, the youngest of a large blended family who lived in a small home with no amenities.
A love for books, education, and great friendships brought Mary forth into the world with vigor. Discipline, hard work, and sheer determination served her well. Her school chums became lifelong companions. Mary wed her high school classmate, Richard Poffenroth, and together they raised their family in Washington state. Mary and Richard were able to travel extensively, they trekked across the Pacific Northwest, east to Ohio and south to Texas. They also vacationed in Hawaii, as part of "The Group". The Poffenroth's even travelled as far as Italy and Germany during their Golden Years.
The arts were Mary's passion; she painted in both oils and watercolor and was a freelance writer and illustrator for many publications, including The Spokesman Review newspaper in Spokane, WA. Mary appreciated many genres of music, loved documentaries, British television shows, and live theater.
Mary taught her family the value of volunteer work, often leading by example. She taught Sunday School as a young mother in Richland, WA and was the treasurer and librarian at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, WA.
Redeemer is where Mary discovered and became part of a woman's support group, "The Monday Girls." The women in that group became beloved members of her social network.
Mary's grandchildren adored her. Gramma and Papa's house was a place for good food, comfort, and Rocket Parties on the 4th of July. Those parties, which Mary and Richard hosted for years, became a lively and instant success.
Mary's family would like to extend their appreciation towards and thankfulness to the care providers at Horizon Hospice and Dignity Care Adult Family Home. During the time she lived at Dignity Care and was also being cared for by Horizon Hospice, Mary and her family witnessed and received tremendous compassion, kindness, and love.
Mary Ellen is survived by her three children: John (Martha) Poffenroth of Spokane, WA, Jane (Bob) Zipperer of Bowling Green, OH and Paul Poffenroth of Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, Eric (Maile), Megan (Cordean), Jennifer (Christopher) and Robin; and six great-grandchildren, Izzy, Morgen, Sophia, Kadence, Hayden and Charlie. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, a granddaughter, Lisa, and many members of her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Mary's family suggests keeping her memory and love alive by donating to Trinity Lutheran Church in Endicott, WA. Where it all began.