Marian "June" Cummins

Marian" June" Cummins died at the Washington Odd Fellows Home, in Walla Walla, on April 13, 2023, after a short illness at the age of 90. June was born on her father's 39th birthday, June 4, 1932, in Walla Walla, WA. She resided in the Walla Walla Valley her entire life.

June was the oldest child of Oterbein and Lois (Banks) Meador. June's father rented farmland, which later became Whitman Mission National Historic Site. June's family loved camping, and when she was 16, her future husband was invited on a huckleberry-picking expedition to Mt. Adams. After graduating from Walla Walla High School, June obtained her cosmetology license and worked at Websters Barber Shop and Beauty Salon. June married Melville Wayne Cummins on May 11, 1952. June moved to the family farm in Touchet, where she resided until her last brief illness; she was three weeks shy of 20, while Mel was 36. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage until Mel passed away in 2004.

June was very active in local Touchet community groups and activities over the years, including being a 4-H leader and chaperoning many FFA  members to various events. June was active in the Rebekah Narcissa Lodge and also was a long-time member of Tri-Community Homemakers.

She served as treasurer for the Touchet Friends of the Library for many years.

After her children left for college, June started volunteering at Whitman Mission National Historic Site. She was eventually hired as an interpretive park ranger and worked for the National Park Service for 21 years.

June loved to cook, was a beautiful seamstress, and was especially known for making chocolates at Christmas. She was also the consummate farmer's wife – being called upon to pull a lamb when needed. June and Mel traveled all over the United States and also took trips to Japan, Sweden, and Austria. June also visited England, Scotland, and France.

June and Mel believed strongly in education. They were proud their children were able to obtain advanced degrees and have successful careers. Keith Cummins was a professor at Auburn University for over 30 years. Melissa retired from the USDA Farm Service Agency as Farm Loan Chief for the State of Washington – at which time she returned to Touchet to care for June.

One of the highlights of June's life – and the family- was hosting a number of young men through the International 4-H Youth Exchange program.

These young men of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds had a significant impact on the family. These young men came from Sweden, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. They also hosted a young man from Pakistan attending WSU for holidays and summers over two years.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Melville; her parents; and her sister, Elberta Mae Meador George. She is survived by her children, Keith Cummins (Kathryn Carlson) and Melissa Cummins. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Rachael Cummins Wasden (Derek); her great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Sunny Wasden; step-great-grandson, Hagen Wasden; and by a number of cousins. She also leaves behind her special friends, the Elder Family – Don, Diana, Scott, and Doug (Sheryl). June's caregiver Barbara Freel was a dear and special friend. June was close to Mel's family. She always felt loved by his nieces and nephews and their children and enjoyed many Cummins/Alexander family gatherings.

The family would like to express deep appreciation for the compassion and care June received during her final illness from St. Mary's Medical Center, Washington Odd Fellows Home, and Walla Walla Community Hospice. June had a deep faith and was a member of the College Place Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 3-5 pm. Funeral Services with a lunch to follow will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 11:00 am at the College Place Presbyterian Church, 325 NE Damson, College Place, WA. Interment will follow the reception at the Touchet Cemetery later that afternoon.

Memorial donations may be made to the Touchet Friends of the Library or Walla Walla Community Hospice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.