Grace Marie Poole

Poole, Grace Marie (age 86) - Born on October 27, 1929 in Chinook, Montana, and passed away on January 6, 2016 in Spokane, WA. Grace was the first of three children born to Larry and Mary Watkins on a ranch north of Chinook, MT. She attended first and second grades there in a one-room schoolhouse. When she was ten years old, her family moved to Northern California where she grew up. She completed her high school education and graduated as valedictorian. While in high school, Grace worked part-time for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company as an Operator and she met the love of her life, Walter J. Poole. They were married and moved to Spokane. She was a member of the Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deaconess and Sunday school teacher. After raising her family, Grace worked at the Crescent Department Store for many years where she received frequent awards for her expertise. Grace is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 68 years, Walter J. Poole; a daughter, Gail Hansen (Don); a son, Gene Poole (Hua); daughter-in-law, Sandy Poole; five grandchildren, Jeff Poole (Ruth), Anna Poole, Tracy Hansen (Graham), Conner Poole, and Wei Tao; three great grandchildren, Madelyn Poole, Jacob Poole, and Lucas Poole. Also survived by brother, Orvie Watkins (Phyllis); sister-in-law, Helen Poole; two nieces, Mary Ann Tole (Dave), and Donna Stallings (Stewart); nine nephews, Frank Watkins, Martin Watkins (Norene), Phil Watkins (Linda), Bob Watkins (Stacey), Bill Watkins (Leanne), Gary Poole, Mike Roblyer (Donna), Mark Roblyer (Jacquelne), and Rex Roblyer; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Grace was preceded in death by eldest son, Larry Poole; sister, Kay Roblyer; brother-in-law, Vern Roblyer; and brother-in-law, Ron Poole. Grace always put others first and was very kind to everyone. She was forever optimistic and good at everything she did. She was known for her wonderful family Christmas Eve parties creating lasting memories held dear to our hearts. Grace and Walt truly lived their marriage vows, devoted to each other with a love exquisite to behold. A Memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday February 20, 2016 at Riplinger's Chapel of Flowers, 4305 N Division, Spokane, WA, 99207. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shriners Hospital for Children - Spokane, 911 W 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204 or to Hospice of Spokane, 367 E 7th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202.