Lorraine Hope Latimer, 92, a longtime resident of Chehalis, Wash., went peacefully to her eternal home Dec. 18, 2017, with her beloved family at her side. She was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Bagley, Minn., the oldest daughter of John Young and Lydia (Erickson) Young. Her father named her Lorraine, after a town in France, where he was stationed during World War I.
Lorraine grew up in Willapa, Wash., along with her sister, Marvel and brother, Jack and graduated from Willapa Valley High School in 1943, where she was a baton twirler in the marching band. She married Willard Latimer shortly before her graduation from high school and together, they had five children.
Lorraine’s love for her family was an inspiration to everyone who came across her path; if you were fortunate enough to be part of her family, you never got tired of hearing her tell you how “beautiful” you were or how much she loved you.” She shared that her friends always said, “Don’t ask Lorraine about her family” unless you had lots of time to listen. She was, without a doubt, the most devoted and compassionate mother, grandmother and “grandma-great.” She cherished life and loved everyone unconditionally. It was always said of Lorraine that “she never met a stranger.” She was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family and friends.
She enjoyed sports, especially, attending her family’s sporting events and watching the Mariners. Lorraine was lovingly nicknamed “Sparkle Plenty” by her great-grandchildren, a fitting name for a beautiful lady, who loved everything that sparkled, from diamonds to her ever-present sparkling scarves. To her dying day, she was adorned in sparkles.
Lorraine was a faithful Christian. She was a member of Bethel Church in Chehalis, Wash., where she faithfully served in many areas of the church and loved attending all the church events. Her favorite bible verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Lorraine is survived by her five children, Willard (Bill) Latimer, Cheryl (Dave) Poppe, Susan Nelson, Shelley (Don) Rinta and Steve (Ann) Latimer; ex-husband, Willard Latimer; 14 grandchildren, Karmen, Greg, Shawn, Matt, Travis, Spencer, Lisa, Lori, Tyrone, Brandon, Salena, Hannah, Griffen and Tate; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; grandson, Aaron Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Julie (Bill) Latimer.
Lorraine’s entire life was dedicated to loving and nurturing her family, she always shared that she never wanted to die because she would miss her family too much! The family wishes to thank all the caretakers at Sharon Care Center for the wonderful care they took of our Mother in her final days, where she was lovingly referred to as “their diva.”
At Lorraine’s request, a private celebration of life will be held for her family, officiated by her grandson, Tyrone Rinta. Memorial donations in Lorraine’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the newly created Pre-School/Daycare at Bethel Church in Chehalis. Sticklin Funeral Chapel 1437 South Gold st., Centralia, WA 98531. (360) 736-1388 Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com.
