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Mary E. Chafin-Spohn
05/07/1934 — 06/12/2004
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Rose, Oklahoma
Mary E. Chafin-Spohn
Mary E. Chafin-Spohn, 70, of Kennewick, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2004, at Kennewick General Hospital, Kennewick, WA. She was born on May 7, 1934, in Rose, Oklahoma to James Albert Drake and Janie K. Kirk Drake.
She was raised in Oklahoma on a cattle and agricultural ranch until age of 12 1944, when her family moved to Richland, where her parents worked at Hanford and Kadlec Hospital. She attended Locust Grove Elementary in Oklahoma, Carmichael Jr. High and Columbia High School in Richland, where she graduated. She attended night classes at Columbia Basin College, where she learned accounting and office skills, all this while she was raising a young family and holding down a job.
She married Hank M. Chafin Sr. in Richland in 1950 until 1972; she remarried June 29, 1978 to Robert Bob Spohn and was widowed on June 25, 1986. She worked for United Finance for many years as a manager before changing careers to work in the Travel Industry. She worked for Cosmopolitan Travel, Kennewick Travel and Carlson Wagonlit formerly Kennewick Travel. Mother worked in travel for 30 years,her last day being Wednesday, June 9. She loved her job and the wonderful people she worked with and her clients, not to mention the trips she took all over the world.
The greatest joy in her life was her family and close friends, too many to list although a few really stand out; Bev, Cathy and Marsha. She was a sports fan from way back, watching her boys play baseball, football and golf, and the grandkids, well she was plenty busy watching them play sports also and singing in school concerts. She loved to camp and fish.
During her life she was a model. Often doing shows at the Desert Inn in Richland, she used this experience to get involved in the Water Follies Miss Tri City Pageant where she helped the girls with hair, make-up, clothes and modeling. She chaperoned the Queen and Princesses, getting to drive a convertible while dad had to drive the float. Mother was an avid campaigner for her brother Bob Drake, for Benton County Commissioner for two terms.
She is survived by four children, sons Hank M. Chafin Jr. and Bobbi of Kennewick, Michael S. Chafin of Connell, T. Craig Chafin and Dawn of Kennewick, daughter Vicki L. Johnson-Steen of Kennewick, 13 grandchildren, Shane D. Anderson and Sacorro, Dusty L. Johnson, Kurt N. Johnson and Charity, Whitney Chafin, Kara Chafin, Lauren Chafin, Mark Chafin, Natalie Chafin, Matt Chafin, Amanda Chafin, Minnehan Brandon and Nick Chafin, Matthew Minnuez, 8 great grandchildren, Trevor Nichols, Tanner Johnson, Trenton Slatter, Ethan, Aaron and Isaac Johnson, Tyler and Anthony Anderson.
She is also survived by one brother, Marland Drake and Patricia of Othello and her sister, Marie Sue Stewart of Ephrata and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by, Bob Spohn, son, Ronnie Chafin and Larry Chafin, her parents, and brother Robert Bob Drake.
Mother was registered with the Cherokee Nation of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and was proud of her heritage.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 18th at 1:00 PM at Cathedral of Joy 1153 Gage Blvd., Richland,WA. Graveside Service at Sunset Memorial 915 By-Pass Hwy, Richland follows this service followed immediately by a gathering to be held at Cathedral of Joy for friends, family and loved ones who wish to celebrate this wonderful, strong and loving lady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at any Gesa Credit Union in care of Craig Chafin for Mary Spohn or a charity of your choice.
God looked around his Garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you “Peace be Thine” and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You’ve left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you’re always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.
I found this poem and thought it was fitting for Mary. I hope it provides some comfort to Mary’s family. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed working with her.
Teresa
Mary and I have worked together for the past 51/2 years and I treasure the memories I have of her. She taught me so much about the travel industry because of her vast knowledge. From her example, I learned to treasure our clients and provide them with the best service available.
She was a great friend and a truly special lady. I will miss her everyday.
Mary was a lovely person with a wonderful sense of humor who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. It was a tremendous privilege to work with her, and her quiet strength will never be forgotten.
Let Your Heart not
Overflow with your pain
But Seek out the joy
In the memories that remain
Remember that your loss
Is yet heavens gain
God Bless Mary’s family. You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a special person.
I am going to really miss Mary. She was always such a fun loving person to be around. I really loved working with her and am very happy to call her a friend. My condolences to all her friends and family.
My deepest sympathies go out to Mary’s family. She was such a wonderful person, always so thoughtful and kind. She touched the hearts of every single one of her co workers here and she is deeply missed. We all loved her dearly and our lives are forever enriched by having known her. She was such a very special person. She inspired me to be in the travel industry and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to reconnect with her over these last 10 months. Much love to you all.
Mary worked hard to make sure our travels were effecient and trouble free. I personally deeply appreciated her dedication, spirit, and good humor.
It was my pleasure to work with Mary over the past 25 years. We started together at Good News Travel, worked together at Cosmopolitan and then worked together again at Carlson Wagonlit Travel when we recently purchased Kennewick Travel. Mary was an inspiration to many of us in the Travel Industry, always willing to lend a hand, and always so concerned about her performance and her customers. Finding another Mary will be impossible. Knowing Mary was a sincere priviledge.
Mary was a class act. I only got to know her over the phone as she helped we with my crazy travel schedules. She was always patient and helped me find the best alternative. Once she called me at home on a Saturday to remind me to book my flight before the cost went up. She used to call me kiddo I liked that, I didn’t know she was 70, I’m 36. I liked her and will miss her. My sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Mary was an inspiration to me. I always looked forward to her vists at the salon and spa. She of course helped me with travel reservations and always did a superb job. She will be greatly missed by us all. I pray that her friends and family will have comfort and peace during this difficult time of loss and her life will be celebrated for the wonderful person she was.
Mary was my mother-in-law when I was married to her son Larry. She always treated me well. She was a loving & caring grandma to my daughter,Kara. She took Kara on several occassions when she was very young,to see her dad when he lived away from
Richland on the east coast. Mary was a peacemaker and was a strong lady. My thoughts are with all of you at this time and for the days and months to come. I’m glad to have known her.
Mary was always a joy to work with when trying to get a travel plan worked out. I will miss her!
My knowing Mary goes way back to the 60’s when I was her hairdresser. I remember when she was made Manager of the finance office. That was a first and an honor for a woman. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. My heart is grieved to know she is gone. I loved her so. My prayers to her family as I know how hard it is to loose ones mother.
I only new Mary a short time, but I am very glad I had the time with her that I did. She was a wonderful person she loved her clients and they loved her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
I will miss you so, my once in a lifetime friend.you have taught me much with your unconditional love and friendship.i know you’ll be watching.
a very special part of me is with you..always..
hank,vicki,mike and craig..
you’re very much loved….
cath
Mary was such a joy to work with. I will truly miss her smiling face. My deepest sympathies to her friends and family.
Mary’s strength, courage, and sense of humour were an inspiration to all of us. We will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. The loss of a Mother is so painful. I hope you can find comfort in your memories, and in knowing that Mary is now free from pain and worry.
God looked around his Garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you “Peace be Thine” and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You’ve left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you’re always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.
I found this poem and thought it was fitting for Mary. I hope it provides some comfort to Mary’s family. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed working with her.
Teresa
Mary and I have worked together for the past 51/2 years and I treasure the memories I have of her. She taught me so much about the travel industry because of her vast knowledge. From her example, I learned to treasure our clients and provide them with the best service available.
She was a great friend and a truly special lady. I will miss her everyday.
Mary was a lovely person with a wonderful sense of humor who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. It was a tremendous privilege to work with her, and her quiet strength will never be forgotten.
Let Your Heart not
Overflow with your pain
But Seek out the joy
In the memories that remain
Remember that your loss
Is yet heavens gain
God Bless Mary’s family. You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a special person.
I am going to really miss Mary. She was always such a fun loving person to be around. I really loved working with her and am very happy to call her a friend. My condolences to all her friends and family.
My deepest sympathies go out to Mary’s family. She was such a wonderful person, always so thoughtful and kind. She touched the hearts of every single one of her co workers here and she is deeply missed. We all loved her dearly and our lives are forever enriched by having known her. She was such a very special person. She inspired me to be in the travel industry and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to reconnect with her over these last 10 months. Much love to you all.
Mary worked hard to make sure our travels were effecient and trouble free. I personally deeply appreciated her dedication, spirit, and good humor.
It was my pleasure to work with Mary over the past 25 years. We started together at Good News Travel, worked together at Cosmopolitan and then worked together again at Carlson Wagonlit Travel when we recently purchased Kennewick Travel. Mary was an inspiration to many of us in the Travel Industry, always willing to lend a hand, and always so concerned about her performance and her customers. Finding another Mary will be impossible. Knowing Mary was a sincere priviledge.
Mary was a class act. I only got to know her over the phone as she helped we with my crazy travel schedules. She was always patient and helped me find the best alternative. Once she called me at home on a Saturday to remind me to book my flight before the cost went up. She used to call me kiddo I liked that, I didn’t know she was 70, I’m 36. I liked her and will miss her. My sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Mary was an inspiration to me. I always looked forward to her vists at the salon and spa. She of course helped me with travel reservations and always did a superb job. She will be greatly missed by us all. I pray that her friends and family will have comfort and peace during this difficult time of loss and her life will be celebrated for the wonderful person she was.
Mary was my mother-in-law when I was married to her son Larry. She always treated me well. She was a loving & caring grandma to my daughter,Kara. She took Kara on several occassions when she was very young,to see her dad when he lived away from
Richland on the east coast. Mary was a peacemaker and was a strong lady. My thoughts are with all of you at this time and for the days and months to come. I’m glad to have known her.
Mary was always a joy to work with when trying to get a travel plan worked out. I will miss her!
My knowing Mary goes way back to the 60’s when I was her hairdresser. I remember when she was made Manager of the finance office. That was a first and an honor for a woman. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. My heart is grieved to know she is gone. I loved her so. My prayers to her family as I know how hard it is to loose ones mother.
I only new Mary a short time, but I am very glad I had the time with her that I did. She was a wonderful person she loved her clients and they loved her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
I will miss you so, my once in a lifetime friend.you have taught me much with your unconditional love and friendship.i know you’ll be watching.
a very special part of me is with you..always..
hank,vicki,mike and craig..
you’re very much loved….
cath
Mary was such a joy to work with. I will truly miss her smiling face. My deepest sympathies to her friends and family.
Mary’s strength, courage, and sense of humour were an inspiration to all of us. We will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. The loss of a Mother is so painful. I hope you can find comfort in your memories, and in knowing that Mary is now free from pain and worry.
Oh my, I dont know where to begin. I have worked with Mar the last 21 years and she was a wonderful and caring friend and co-worker.
I will deeply miss her as everyone will. My thoughts and prayers are with the family especially Craig, Hank, Mike and Vicki. Remembering all the good times will keep her alive in your hearts.
Mary was a very welcome site for me to see at Z Place Salon and Spa. I enjoyed our visits while she waited to get her hair done, or during a massage that I used to give to her. She especially liked to talk about any fishing me or my family had done. And ready to recommend her spot at the Potholes! She made travel arrangements for me and my family when we went to Mexico, and recommended our facilities from a first hand experience. I will miss her very much and feel privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know her and her special ways. My best to her family.
Diana Seuell
I remember Mary from our days at Welcome Aboard Travel in Richland. She was a great travel agent and an inspiration to me. Always a smile on her face, which made work more fun – even in the hardest circumstances. I know I will see her when we meet the Lord and live forever!
Mary,
Thank you for sharing with me…especially this past year. I will not forget you and our words shared. I will not forget the friendship we had. I know that you are at a better place. Give yourself and Larry a “big hug” from me. I miss you both.
Craig, Vicki, and family,
Always know that your Mom/Grandma loved you very much.
My sincerest sympathies to the family of a truly magnificent lady. Mary was a friend of my Aunt Bev’s and I had known her for many years – I am glad that I have the memories … Our trip to Florida and the rafting trip down the Yakima River on inner tubes – just to name a couple. She had such a light around her that you couldn’t help but like her. She truly was a still is a shining star.
Guestbook for
Mary E. Chafin-Spohn