Mary Ellen Hallstrom

Mary Ellen Kimball-Hallstrom … was born September 28th 1946 in San Diego, California to Guy Warren Sr., and Annie Beatrice Kimball. She joined three older brothers, Guy Jr., Charles, and Gary who were praying for a little baby "sisyou." After the war the family moved to Pineville, Louisiana where Mary attended school. At a young age of 11 and after the death of her father, Mary made a choice to give her heart and life to God. After graduation from Pineville High School, Mary worked as a secretary for a Pontiac Car Dealership in Pineville. She met and married a warm, kindhearted Air Force serviceman, John Hallstrom, February 19th, 1965. Moving from different Air Force bases in Louisiana to New Mexico, Mary was made more thankful for God's precious Heavenly Family and Fellowship here on earth. John and Mary eventually settled in Vancouver, Washington, where the shy red headed southern girl began to love the green of Washington and lose a little of her southern drawl. In August 1968, John and Mary welcomed the birth of their son, John Douglas, and later in July 1970 daughter, Deborah Sheryl. In 1978, John and Mary became foster care providers for 18 plus years to numerous children. Shawnee, Mackie, Shenandoah and Melissa, joined the family through guardianship and adoption, but more importantly to Mary's heart as "my children." Mary also felt privileged to help raise her nephew and niece Joe and Charlotte after the passing of her brother, Guy.

Mary was a beautiful, loving, gracious, honest and faithfully devoted daughter, mother, sister and friend. Mary dearly loved and cherished her time with her grandchildren, and will always be their "Grandmama". She loved to cook and bake for her family, friends, and ministers. Mary enjoyed cleaning, laundry, gardening and canning. When she did a job, she wouldn't quit until it was done. Mary faithfully prayed for her family and friends, as well as the workers list from Washington, Montana, and Louisiana. She will be greatly missed by her children, Doug (Heidi) Hallstrom, Debbie (Lloyd) Parsons, Shenandoah, Melissa, Shawnee (Josh) Kemp, and Mackie Stamps as well as her beloved grandchildren, family and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her Father, Brothers and most recently her Mother and Friend. God's ways are not our ways; but knowing the special devotion of mother and daughter, His timing is perfect. Mary passed from this life into eternity after complications from a brain aneurysm February 1st, 2018.