Mary Lou Kaip passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, in Richland, WA, surrounded by her family. Born January 2, 1945, in Plentywood, Montana, to Franklin and Elsie Simonis, she was the youngest of three sisters, with Shirley and Donna as her older siblings. 

A bright and engaged student, Mary Lou completed all 12 years of schooling in Plentywood, excelling in band, chorus, and student council, where she also served as class president and treasurer. Her warm smile—voted the best in her class—was a true reflection of her kind and radiant spirit. Mary Lou remained close with a tight-knit group of high school girlfriends, cherishing their many adventures together on trips throughout the Northwest. 

Mary Lou began her college education at Eastern Montana College before transferring to Montana State University, where she reunited with her soon-to-be husband, Jim. The two had grown up together in Plentywood, first meeting in Mrs. Johnson’s second-grade classroom. They married in August 1965 and, after completing their final year of college together, welcomed their first son, Cory, in September 1966. 

The family moved to Walla Walla, WA, where their daughter, Kristi, was born, and later to Hillsboro, OR, before returning to Walla Walla, where their youngest son, Mark, was born. Later moves took them east to Fulton, NY, and Dover, DE, before they returned to the Pacific Northwest in 1979 to be closer to family. 

Throughout their journey, Mary Lou held the family together, making lifelong friends at every stop. Her love for her family and community was evident, especially in her involvement with Marriage Encounters and as an active member of the school board at St. Anthony in Tigard, Oregon. She and Jim made lasting memories with close friends in Tigard, and cherished trips together, including memorable crabbing adventures on the Oregon Coast. Mary Lou treasured her close-knit group of girlfriends, the many trips they took, and whom she loved like family. 

Mary Lou was deeply devoted to her children’s lives and activities, rarely missing a game or event. Her love for sports carried on to her grandchildren, and she traveled across the country to cheer them on at baseball, soccer, and basketball games, as well as recitals and plays. Beyond her love of sports, she found joy in planning family trips with her grandchildren, especially their cherished visits to Lake Chelan. Above all, she remained a devoted Seattle Mariners fan. 

After Jim’s retirement in 2005, the couple enjoyed annual trips to Hawaii, where Mary Lou created many wonderful memories with family and friends. She loved cross-stitching, reading, and solving puzzles, and was known for her talent in baking and sewing outfits for her children and grandchildren – her Halloween costumes were often the envy of the neighborhood. 

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband of 59½ years, Jim; son Cory (Sandra), and their children Kade, Kennedy, and Cole; daughter Kristi (Keith), and their children Justin and Emma; son Mark (Meghan), and their daughter Abbey; sisters Donna Vogel and Shirley Calton; sisters-in-law Janice McCallister (Chuck) and Patty LaSell; aunt Helen Simonis; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Elsie Simonis; brothers-in-law Bill Calton, Randy Vogel, and Harvey LaSell; and several extended family members. 

Mary Lou’s warmth, dedication, and love will be remembered by all who knew her. 

A Mass in honor of Mary Lou will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (7409 W Clearwater Ave), Reception to follow Mass. All are welcome to join us in celebrating and remembering Mary Lou’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Mary Lou was especially passionate about Virginia Mason Medical Center, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.