Lois Anne Ounsted Van Ess died peacefully at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam with her family present on Dec. 5, 2018. She was 92.

She was born in Hoquiam on Aug. 29, 1926, to George and Lucille (Keller) Mason. She lived in Hoquiam all of her life, attending the Hoquiam schools and graduating from Hoquiam High School in 1944.

Lois was married to Harold P. Ounsted on Feb. 3, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1973. 18 years later, Lois, was married to Fred Van Ess. He also preceded her in death.

In her younger years Lois worked with her father at George Mason’s Garage, licensing at the DMV and the Grays Harbor Chair Factory. From 1963 until her retirement in 1988 she worked for the Port of Grays Harbor.

Lois enjoyed PEO and Beta Sigma Phi and held various offices. Lois enjoyed rose gardening, genealogy, had a love for animals, playing cards and reading. Swimming was her passion and the outdoors at Mason Lake. She was the first one in the water and the last one out.

Her surviving immediate family included her son, Larry Ounsted (Barb); her daughter, Judy Smith (Greg); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; the extended Fred Van Ess family and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her mom and dad; her sister and her twin brothers.

We will miss her smile and fun personality. She was well liked and respected.

A graveside service with vault inurnment will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at the Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam, Wash.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 – 5th Street in Hoquiam, Wash.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.