Lana Doreen Hanson

Growing up, Lana lived in the Pinehurst area, north of Seattle, along with her brother, Stephen, and her sister, Joanne in a small house that she adored. Later, her family moved to Alderwood Manor where she attended Edmonds High School. She was active in Luther League, Girl Scouts, youth group, and attending family get-togethers with her many cousins. She very much enjoyed music, in her senior year she took music composition, choir, and played the flute in the band.

After high school, Lana attended the Lutheran Bible Institute followed by Emanuel Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse in Seattle, around the country as she and Larry traveled with the Navy, and later as a home health nurse.

Lana loved gardening and had a green thumb. Everywhere in her yard and house there were flowers. She spent time sewing, quilting, playing canasta and cribbage, and taking many trips to see her grandchildren. With Larry, she traveled to places like Alaska, North Dakota, Montana, Norway and England, and even several salmon fishing trips to British Columbia.

Being active in her church and community were always very important to Lana. She served on the board for Josephine Sunset Home for 9 years, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school for over 30 years and played and sang in the church band alongside Larry (having learned how to play the bass guitar). Often, you would see Lana in the church kitchen, helping at potlucks and gatherings, and making lefse for the bazaar. Working and serving alongside others was something she did naturally and always cheerfully.

Larry and Lana were faithfully married for 60 years and their life together reflects their strong commitment to each other, their solid friendship, and their extensive love for others. Lana thoroughly enjoyed being by Larry’s side for each of those 60 years. Together, they built their home (as well as many others), sang and played music, raised a family, traveled, and served and cared for others side-by-side.

She read her Bible often, always studying the Word, and growing deeper in her knowledge of Jesus. Most days, she rose very early, praying for everyone before starting her day. Jesus was her rock, her strength, and her guide through life. And she lived out that faith with those around her.

Lana will be remembered for her love, her smile, her cheerfulness, and her encouraging nature. And, most of all, for her love for her family and for the Lord. We were truly blessed and honored to be a part of her life and she will be greatly missed.

Memorial donations can be made to the Stanwood Food Bank or Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana in Lana's name.