Obituary of Louise Elaine Simmons Wallace

Louise, 83, passed away peacefully June 11, 2013 in Olympia, Washington, with her daughter at her side. She died of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a lung disease. Born January 4, 1930 in Valentine, Nebraska, to John and Josephine Simmons, Louise grew up in a family of 8 children. The Simmons family enjoyed music and dancing; her parents were farmers and her father played fiddle at local barn dances. Every family member played an instrument or sang, often in four-part harmony. When Louise was 13 years old, her family moved to Washington State, where she continued her education, graduating from Everett High School. Louise met Wayne Wallace, of Snohomish, at a community dance. They fell in love, married in 1950 and started a family. Eventually they settled in Kirkland, Washington, where they lived for more than 2 decades, bringing up their 7 children. Louise dedicated herself to motherhood and became interested in nutrition and organic gardening, pioneering many practices considered mainstream today. As a woman of faith, she cared deeply about people and spreading the good news of the gospel. Louise often said that her greatest accomplishments were being married to her best friend for over 56 years and the “seven wonderful citizens she contributed to society.” Wayne and Louise retired to the Roslyn, Washington area and also had a winter home in Desert Hot Springs, California. They enjoyed volunteer work, many wonderful friendships and family celebrations, including the arrival of 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Louise is survived by her children, Darrell Wallace (Kristy), Jeanne Wallace, Aleta Paraghamian (Chris), Neva Redmond (Kevin), Joy Moran (Bob), Ann Wallace-Lofton (Matthew), and Dale Wallace (Tami). Her grandchildren are Michael and Hunter Steen; Sarah and Andrew Paraghamian; David, Justin and Robyn Luckenbach; Jeff, Brian, Grace and Carly Workman; Shelby and Paige Lofton; and Erika Wallace. Her great grandchildren include June Paraghamian, Samantha Luckenbach, Sieryn and Ryeden Luckenbach, and Kyle Harvey, Jr. A sixth great grandchild, baby boy Steen, is due in September. She is also survived by her brother, Harold Simmons, sisters Esther Mattley and Virginia Thompson, as well as many dear nieces and nephews and their families. Louise was predeceased by her husband, Wayne (in 2007); as well as brothers, Clemmond and Butch (Clarence); and sisters, Gertrude and Nadine. A memorial service is tentatively planned for 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Tumwater, with interment on August 4, 2013 in the Roslyn Cemetery. Donations may be made to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) National Home for Children (vfwnationalhome.org). Please leave memories of Louise or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.