Leora F Hansen

July 1, 1927 - March 6, 2019

LeoraFaye Hansen, 91, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully at the Coolidge House Adult Care Facility in Ephrata, WA on March 6,2019. She was born July 1, 1927 in Omak, Washington to Laurence and Bessie TugawJohnson. Leora grew up on the family apple orchard in Omak, Washington where she spent many summers working in the family business with her older brother Bob and younger sister Helen. Leora attended schools in Omak, graduating in 1945. During her high school years, she worked part-time at the local Owl Drugstore soda fountain. After graduation, Leora went to work for Washington Water Power Company,which shortly after she was hired, became Okanogan County PUD. She met her future husband, Floyd Hansen Jr, at a local dance following his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy. Floyd & Leora were married in Omak, Washington, December 29, 1947 and they resided there until Floyd’s job with the Burlington Northern Railroad was transferred to the Ephrata Depot. Upon her arrival in Ephrata, Leora went to work at Grant County PUD in the local office for several years until she took time off to care for their two children. Four years after their move to Ephrata, she began her life as a law enforcement wife who willingly made continual compromises and sacrifices to support her husband’s career.Leora returned to work in the banking industry working first at Lincoln Savings Banks and then Security Bank of Washington and Peoples Bank. After many years working in banking, she began working for the Grant County Solid Waste Department and later transferred to the Grant County Public Works Department when Grant County discontinued the solid waste program. Born with a “green thumb” she spent many hours gardening and was known for growing an abundance of vegetables every summer and stunning rose bushes. At an early age, she learned how to sew and became a beautiful seamstress; sewing many of her outfits for work, and special occasion dresses for Easter, Christmas, dances and weddings. She enjoyed bowling in the Women’s Ephrata League for many years and receivedseveral bowling awards. She enjoyed volunteering as assistant leader for her daughter’s Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls groups. Shespent her retirement years involved with the American Legion Auxiliary, volunteering at the Senior Thrift Center, working as the Bingo cashier for the Elks Lodge, gardening, baking, enjoying time with grandchildren and finding the best “bargains” at yard sales. Leora is survived by a daughter Sheryl and husband Curt Dotson of Soap Lake; a son Gregory Hansen of Ephrata; three grandchildren Justin (Elisabeth) Grubb; Jared (Emilie) Grubb, and Elijah Dotson; great grandchildren Zoie and Richard Grubb all residing in Ephrata;sisterHelen Tangen of Omak, sister-in-law Patricia Witham of Ephrata and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, father and mother; step-father Ingvald Braaten, brother Robert Johnson, sister-in-law Bobby Ann Johnson-Hendricks,brother-in-lawsRon Tangen and William Witham, daughter-in-law Lori Hansen and beloved great granddaughter Audrey Grubb. There will be a “Celebration of Life”service at the American Legion Club in Ephrata onFriday, March 29 at 12:00 pm with abrunch to follow the service. The family requests memorials be made to the Columbia Basin Bells (Operation Christmas Child – Audrey’s Shoe Box Lambs) andthe American Legion Auxiliary in lieu of flowers. A special heartfelt thank you to Harold and Betty of the Coolidge House Adult Family Care for their loving care of our mother and grandmother. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com/obituaries/Leora-Hansen. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Moses Lake.