Lois Helen Gaddy

Lois Gaddy died March 19, 2012, at Walla Walla General Hospital. Lois was born July 23, 1924, in Newburg, Mo., to Floyd and Ruth Smith. She is survived by four sons, Jake and Larry Brown, both of Walla Walla, Jerry Gaddy of Forks, Wash., and Jack Gaddy of New South Wales AU; grandchildren, Jim Brown, Mike Brown, Megan Brown, Richard Brown, Jackie Gaddy and Kayle Gaddy; two great-grandchildren, Kaylee Brown of Walla Walla and Jasmine Brown in California; three sisters, Peggy Brookshire, Walla Walla, Ruby Atchison, St. James, Mo., Betty Simpson, St. Louis; many nieces and nephews she was close to. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Homer Gaddy; two brothers.

Lois spent her life doing for her family and others; a recognized community leader. In 1992, she received the Volunteer Achievement Award from the Walla Walla Frontier Days Association for her work coordinating the on stage entertainment in the pavilion during the fair for many years. The Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce awarded her a certificate of appreciation for services rendered as chairman of their Retail Service Bureau in 1968. She was an active member of local Elks Lodge 287. She received an award from the Washington State Elks Association Therapy Program for Kids in 2004, for her generous support. Lois operated the coat room at the club and donated all proceeds to this program for kids. She received officer of the year award from the Lodge in 2004, and an outstanding service commendation for exceptional contributions in 2005.

As manager of the Golden West Estates Mobile Home Park for three decades, she was an active volunteer both locally and state wide in improving the laws and services of Mobile Home Parks. She was recognized in 1999 by the Manufactured Housing Communities of the State of Washington for 30 years of outstanding service. She received the organizations Golden Acorn Award for dedicated service in 2003. As president of the Washington Mobile Home Park Owners Association in 1985 and 1986, she was voted outstanding person of the year and in ‘87-’88 as service person of the year. In 1983, she was appointed by then Governor John Spellman to serve on the Washington State Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structure Advisory Board then reappointed by Governor Booth Gardner in 1986. Lois was an accomplished artist both in water color and oils and leaves her family with many treasured pieces.

Viewing will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Services will be on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at Herring Funeral Home, with nephew Darren Brookshire officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Therapy Program for Children thru the funeral home.