Lucille “Lucy” Almira Fix – Jens- Poston – Spratt Dean, 83, passed away in her sleep, on December 5, 2003 in Pasco, Washington.

Lucille Dean was born to George and Johanna Fix in Waterloo, Iowa, on February 14, 1920. Her parents died when she was 4, and in 1926, she was adopted by Albert A. and Louise J. Jens, St. Paul, MN, at which time she acquired the name of Lucille A. Jens. During her early teens, Lucy moved to a farm and lived with the Tulhulski family until she moved west to the State of Washington. Her first marriage was brief, ending in divorce. She settled in Longview, Washington, and then moved to Yakima in 1940 where she worked at the Donnelly Hotel and Wardell’s A. C. Percolator restaurant as a waitress, hostess and cashier. There she met and eventually married Glen Poston in 1946, a talented professional musician and pool player. She had two sons, Edward Pepper and Ted. She was widowed in August, 1959, and at that time, started business classes at Yakima Valley Community College, obtained her drivers license, and took a job as waitress at the Club Café. She married James Spratt in 1962. Together, they purchased the Strand Café on North First in Yakima. James Spratt passed away in May, 1964. In 1966, Lucy married Harry Dean. Lucy continued to operate the Strand until 1968. After surviving being a restaurant owner, Lucy worked as an industrial seamstress and in food preparation at the Thunderbird Inn. In 1977, Lucy and Harry moved to Blythe, CA, where Harry returned to his first love as a pilot crop dusting and mom became a homemaker, golf junkie, and grandmother to numerous grandchildren. Her husband, Harry, passed away in January, 1996 after 29 years together. While living in Blythe, Lucy made numerous friends that provided much companionship and support– Nan, Sherry, Trish, Marlene, Bev and Bob, and Willie, you were tremendous friends that enriched Lucy’s life in Blythe. Lucy lived in Blythe until 2001 at which time she moved to the Tri-Cities where she resided first at Hawthorne Court and then at The Manor in Kennewick, Washington.

Lucy is survived by her sister, Rosemary Williams and her daughter, Elaine, of Tracy, CA. Lucy had two sons, Edward Poston, of Benecia, CA, son Ted and Kathy Poston, Richland, their children, Nathan and Denise Poston. Her step-sons and their families hailing from Yakima are, Robert Dean and his children, Scott and Bobby, Mike and Kathy Dean, and their children Brian, Randy and Jeffery, Tom and Kathy Dean, and their daughter Kristin. In the Redmond/Bend, Oregon area, are Doug and Kathi Dean and his children, Douglas, Frances, and Asa. Dianne Dean was also very special to Lucy. In California, reside Rick and Toni Dean and his children Richie, David, Douglas and Heidi, and Danny and Debbie Dean and his daughter, Christie. Step-daughter, Carmen and her husband Paul Orlando, Yakima, and their daughter, Johnna were also special to Lucy. Associated with Lucy’s immediate family are numerous great grandchildren. Lucy loved to entertain and hosting visits by her children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life in Blythe.

A private service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2003, at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Heart Association.