Marian Rau "Phyllis" Lesnett

Marian Phyllis Rau Lesnett

Marian "Phyllis" Rau Lesnett, (90), of Olympia, Washington, passed peacefully from this world into the next on Wednesday, February 2, 2011, in Olympia.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Lesnett DeMent of Olympia; her brother, George P. Rau (Nicolyn) of Lebanon, Illinois; grandsons, Timothy DeMent of Salisbury, Maryland, and Sean DeMent
(Natalie) of Edgewater, Maryland; and great-grandson, Mason, of Edgewater, Maryland. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.
A Valentine's Day baby, Phyllis was born February 14, 1920, in St. Louis, Missouri, to George and Nelle (Pfisterer) Rau. She grew up in St. Louis, the middle child of five children. Phyllis graduated in 1937 from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis, and began working for the telephone company as a telephone operator. In 1939, she met the love of her life, Samuel A. Lesnett, and they married on June 23, 1942, in St. Louis. After almost 65 years of marriage, Sam predeceased her in 2007.
In 1975, Phyllis and Sam jointly retired from the Pacific Phone Company in Southern California and moved to Olympia. After retirement, they traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Phyllis enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing card and board games. She was willing to try most any handicrafts, but especially like counted cross stitch, flower pressing and ceramics. She collected Irish Beleek china and was a member of the Beleek Society. She was a very special person who always looked on the bright side of everything and lived her life to the fullest.
Her daughter wishes to thank the staff at Clare Bridge for their special care of Phyllis as well as the Hospice Team from Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice for their compassion and support during Phyllis' last few days.
On Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:30 p.m., Phyllis and Sam will be laid to rest at the Back to Nature Garden Pavilion at Mills and Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Rd, S.W. Tumwater. (360) 357-7743. The service will be followed with refreshments at Mills and Mills Funeral Home hospitality room. The family requests that donations be made to the Providence St. Peter Foundation, 413 Lilly Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506 (360) 493-7981).