Mary Ann Slattum

Mary Ann Slattum, 93, of Kelso, passed away Jan. 25, 2022, at home surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born Oct. 1, 1928, to John and Inga Sophia (Krestrain) Johnson at their home in Litchville, N.D. Mary received her 8th grade diploma from LaMoure County Public School on May 28th, 1942.

She met Maynard Arnold Slattum at a dance when she was 17 years old. She told her mother, “I’m going to marry that man.” She did just that on Dec. 13, 1946 in Kathryn, N.D. They lived on a farm in Fort Ransom, N.D., until Maynard accepted a position with Weyerhaeuser and they moved to Kelso in 1962.

Mary worked alongside Maynard on their farm as well as providing child care. She helped with the plowing, milking, haying, caring for her hens, cows and horses. She was the perfect farmer’s wife. She was also a gifted homemaker, an amazing seamstress, and an excellent cook. Her lefsa, bread, monster cookies and strawberry jam were family favorites.

Maynard and Mary were members of the Eagles, Sons of Norway, the American Legion, the Moose Lodge, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Mary was also active in a quilt club, sewing club, 4-H, and MADD. She volunteered at a food bank, enjoyed playing bingo, visiting casinos, playing cards with friends and camping, especially at Detroit Lake.

She was proud and had a bit of Norwegian stubbornness. She was also loving, caring, and giving. She had a quick sense of humor that brought smiles to the faces of many. Of all the qualities she possessed, the most valued was her ability to love her family unconditionally. Her legacy will forever be here within her family.

Mary is survived by three daughters, Jeanette Koth (Dale) of Toledo, Wash, Raquel Johnston (Bill) of Kelso and Joselyn Caskey (Rob) of Newport, Wash; a brother, Roger Johnson of Valley City, N.D; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and generations of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard in 2007; a son and daughter-in-law, Marlin A. and Sandy Slattum; a daughter, Michelle Anne Slattum; a grandson, Brian Robinson; six sisters, Helen Salberg, Doris White, Marie Ring, Carol Aune, Harolda Keiski, and Alfie Linn; and two brothers, Leonard Olafson and Joe Johnson.

A funeral service is planned for noon Saturday, Feb. 19 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2218 Kessler Blvd., in Longview. Pastor Brian Gomes will officiate. Viewings will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 and Friday, Feb. 18 at Steele Chapel, 5050 Mt. Solo Road in Longview. Mary will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Maynard at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at Longview Memorial Park in Mausoleum B. Pallbearers will be Kainoa Fili, Brodie Fitzpatrick, Curt Fitzpatrick, Chad Robins, Dakota Robins and Marlin Slattum Jr.