Luella M. McGrath

Luella McGrath Luella McGrath passed away on December 23, 2015, 23 days before her 103rd birthday. Luella was the oldest child of Dovie Hensel McGrath and Henry McGrath. Luella was born just north of Waterville Washington at her grandparent’s (George Hensel and Bridget Weir Hensel) home. The old brick school house a block from Luella’s home closed the year she started school, so she attended school in Waterville followed by her younger siblings George McGrath and Evelyne (McGrath) Madtson. Luella graduated from Waterville during the depression in 1931. By working for room and board, Luella was able to attend Central Washington University which was a Normal School. Miss McGrath had a passion for teaching. For two years, she obtained a position as a teacher at the Peoh Point School, just south of Cle Elum. Then she taught in Marysville for nine years. During this time, Luella attended summer courses to earn her teaching degree from C.W.U. Most of Luella’s teaching years were in Everett where she taught fourth grade in the newest demonstration school. She received many honors and awards for her teaching. She had numerous stories about her pupils that she loved to share. She still received Christmas cards from her students sharing their appreciation of her as a teacher. A teacher friend, Elsie Tamm and Luella lived together in a house they purchased soon after moving to Everett. The two loved to travel. They went to Europe several times, including one trip to the Communist countries of Eastern Europe. They also took trips to South America, and the South Pacific Islands. Their longest trip was a trip around the world which included the Orient, India, Egypt, and the Holy Lands. Altogether, they traveled to fifty countries, all but six of our states and most of the Canadian Provinces. In retirement after 38 years of teaching, Luella took to her hobbies. She took several classes in sewing, and enjoyed making many of her own clothes. Luella also loved to cook. Her family always looked forward to her meals. Five years ago, Luella returned to North Central Washington where she lived in independent care at Bonaventure. There she enjoyed conversations with her dinner friends, and appreciated the staff. Luella is survived by her loving family that knew her as “ Aunt Peggy”; nieces Karla (Merle) Armstrong, Paulette (Lanse) Whitehall, grandnieces Holly (Gary) Sinko, Angela (Miles) Deishl, and grandnephew Jeff (Sarah) Whitehall, as well as great grandnieces and nephew Lexi Deishl, Payton Sinko, Gracie, Drew and Luella Whitehall. Luella was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister, brother in law Ralph Madtson, grandnephew Kyle Armstrong, and lifelong friend Elsie Tamm. Those who were acquainted with this classy, elegant and intelligent lady were blessed. Luella McGrath will be missed and remembered by all who loved her. Per Luella McGrath’s wishes there will not be a service. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Luella M. McGrath

January 15, 1913 - December 23, 2015