Nancy Lee-Moses

Nancy Lee-Moses, 86, passed away September 22, 2025, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla. She was born on January 23, 1939, to Zeke and Virginia (Tarwater) Thomas at the same location (St. Mary’s Hospital). Growing up as the firstborn, she was a natural at caring for her siblings and being the responsible one. She loved the piano and began playing at the age of 4, and entertained the family for many years. Nancy participated in many clubs and projects in 4-H and Wagonettes and worked each summer cooking and caring for small children during harvest season. She was a Pioneer Posse Princess in 1956 and Washington State Dairy Princess in 1957.

She graduated from Wa-Hi in 1957 and left the farm for Kinman Business College in Spokane. Following graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she was employed at Bankers Life and Casualty. There she met and married Charles Gates in 1960. They had three sons. While raising the boys, they owned and operated two local hardware stores in the Wallingford District and in Bothell. They later divorced. Nancy migrated back to the east side and met a childhood sweetheart, Andrew Moses, who was living in Pasco at the time. They married in l987.

They moved often for Andy’s work, but they were here in Walla Walla for a number of years, where Nancy was employed at Key Technology. It was at that time she earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting at WWCC.

Following their retirement, they purchased and remodeled three homes here in Walla Walla and subsequently purchased a little house in Dayton, where they lived in almost a constant state of remodel. The result was an adorable cottage, complete with a restored exterior and a modernized interior. They were both proud of their work and happy to relax with their last project. Nancy always had time to care for the needs of elderly friends and neighbors. Following Andy’s passing in 2024, Nancy moved to Whitman Place and found it enjoyable to be closer to friends and family in Walla Walla.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Keith Gates (Isabel) of Kingston, WA; Anthony Gates (Dionne) of Petersburg, VA, and Matthew Gates (Susie) of Walla Walla; grandchildren, Nick Gates, Katie Gates of Seattle, Jessie Gates (Boucor Senghor) of Dakar, Senegal, James Gates (Danyelle) in Denver, CO, Mathew Gates (Breanna) in Aurora, CO, Nicole Gates in Colorado, and Daniel Moses (Ashley) Alvord, Texas; and 10 great-grandchildren. She also treasured her girls, Donna Moses Sylvester (Mike) of Benton City and daughter-in-law, Tina Frohlich of Renton. She is also survived by her brother, Orin Thomas, and sister, Virgene Cox (Lewis), both of Walla Walla; her brother, Monte’s family of Milton-Freewater, OR; and special niece and nephew, Dan Sinclair (Carlota) and Tina Grant.

Preceding Nancy are her parents and husbands, Charles Gates and Andy Moses. She is also preceded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as her beloved brother, Monte Thomas, and both of his sons, Terrell and Mitchell Thomas.

A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery (Pine St.) on May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by a gathering to celebrate Nancy’s life, with refreshments at the Marriott on W. Rose from noon to 4:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made at the Celebration or through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 West Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362, for the benefit of the Christian Aid Center in Walla Walla.