Mary Beth Sturgis, of Richland, WA passed away Thursday, October 19, 2006 at Alterra Wynnward Retirement and Assisted Living facility in Richland, WA.

Mary Beth was born July 17, 1931 in Washington, Missouri to Ned and Viola Sturgis. The family later moved to Richland, Washington in 1943. Mary Beth graduated from Columbia Richland High School in 1949. After graduation she attended Kinmon Business College in Spokane, Washington graduating in Secretarial Studies.

Mary Beth then returned to Richland and began her working career with the General Electric Company, on the Hanford Reservation. She worked as an Executive Secretary for many years at Hanford ending her working career as a Cost Analyst with United Engineers and Constructors.

During her younger years she enjoyed spending many happy hours with the ''Alley Cats'', bowling. For over 30 years Mary Beth enjoyed traveling the United States sightseeing and fishing with her best friend and companion, Ellis Coxen until his death in 1999.

Mary Beth was a generous, thoughtful and supportive sister, sister-in-law and Aunt. She will be missed by her entire family.

Mary Beth is preceded in death by her parents Viola and Ned Sturgis. She is survived by her sister Sandra George husband Jack and brother Robert E. wife Sandra Sturgis. Nieces, Tracie Lorenzen, Dana Taylor, Hollie Crowder and nephews Scott Strickland, Clay and Ryan Sturgis, and J. D. George and all their children.

Mary Beth's wishes were to be cremated and placed in the mausoleum at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland with a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 Entiat Ave., Kennewick, W A or the charity of your choosing.