Frances Louise Lynch

Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend.

We lost Louise, or "Weezy," as she was affectionately known by most, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, surrounded by family and telling stories right up until the end.

From a young age, Louise was known for her love of animals -- horses, goats, cows, and just about anything with four legs. We firmly believe she liked animals far more than she liked people. She turned that passion into more than 25 years of volunteer service with Blue Mountain Humane Society. She opened and managed their very first thrift store for many years. Family and friends often found themselves taking unexpected side trips with Louise to rescue a stray or abandoned animal. Her and her wonderful friend Susie founded SWAT (Save wonderful animals team) to protect and save beloved animals around the area.

Louise loved adventure with Pat, her husband of 50 years. Together, they traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest for snowmobile races during the winter. They flew to Canada to spend time on their small island in the north, attended the Reno Air Races long before they became a major attraction, and made annual trips to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

In their golden years, they enjoyed spending winters at their home in Yuma, Arizona, all while surrounded by a handful of the dearest friends anyone could ask for. Louise often said, "I just grabbed his coattails, and off we would go."

Earlier in her career, Louise worked at Walla Walla Produce, where she handled bookkeeping and inventory. Later, she returned to community college to study accounting so she could help Pat with the family farm. Together, they helped grow the small third-generation farm into a very successful operation.

Louise also volunteered with the Washington School PTA throughout the years Stormy attended school there. She earned the Golden Acorn Award not once, but three times (at least, that's how many pins Stormy has found!).

Anyone who knew Louise knew better than to ask her to cook for a potluck or family holiday. Her favorite contribution was cups and plates. She always joked, "Pat never had a weight problem!" Although she wasn't known for elaborate meals, she could make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

In recent years, you could often find Louise at Hot Mamma's enjoying their famous Espresso Chocolate Shake.

Louise was a staunch supporter of the College Place and Walla Walla Police and Fire Departments (Districts 8 and 4). At a time when public support wasn't always popular, she placed a half-page advertisement in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin proudly declaring her support. If standing up for something was unpopular, Louise didn't care. She believed in what she believed, and she wasn't shy about letting you know.

Louise cared deeply for her family and friends. She may not always have shown it outwardly, but those closest to her knew she would drop everything to be there when they needed her -- no questions asked. She also treasured the many years she spent reconnecting with her high school classmates and enjoying their friendships through the years.

An avid reader, Louise, could often be found with a book in hand and never passed up the chance to browse a bookstore. She especially loved well-worn, secondhand books that had already been enjoyed by others. In addition to reading, she loved writing and drawing. Though she rarely shared her work, dismissing it simply as "doodles," those who knew her understood they were glimpses of her creativity.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Marc and Frances Brown; her husband, Patrick Lynch; and her niece, Andrea Smith.

She is survived by her daughter, Stormy (Brian Jones -- Brian was always the favorite); her granddaughter, Brie (Tyler Viers) -- the real favorite; her great-grandchildren, Kinley and Henry; her sisters, Marcia Cyr and Lindy (Dale) Smith; sister-in-law, Francie West; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Her granddogs, Rebel and Bob, already miss their trips to Grams' house for treats.

A celebration of Louise's life will be held in the near future so family and friends can gather to swap stories—we understand there are many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to your local animal shelter, police department, or fire department would be wonderful tributes to Louise's generous spirit.

And, in true Louise fashion, if you knew her... eat dessert first.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the emergency staff at St. Mary's Hospital. They treated Louise with compassion and respected her wishes with dignity and kindness until the very end.