Agnes Marie Bugni

Agnes Marie Bugni
Agnes Marie (Aggie) Fischer Bugni, 96, of Cle Elum, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 15, 1919, Thorp, WA, daughter of Fred and Eva (May) Fischer.
Agnes's parents moved to Washington State from Plains, MT, and settled in the Kittitas Valley. Working for the Northern Pacific Railroad they ultimately built their home in Thorp, WA, where Agnes was born.
Agnes and Theodore Bugni were married Nov. 2, 1936, in Ellensburg. They made their home between the Teanaway River and Lookout Mt where she and Ted raised their seven children and an occasional cousin or two. During her life Agnes grew many gardens, milked just as many cows, and became a master at cooking such Italian dishes as polenta & bagna cauda. And of course she was always baking bread. Fall was a time for canning which often involved trips to the lower valley to acquire the best fruits and vegetables. Spring was time to pick the tender rhubarb which she turned into her masterpiece rhubarb pie. Known for her sense of humor, her spontaneous laughter was a joy to all. Agnes also had a fondness for multiple generations of cats and dogs, many being rescue animals.
Agnes was able to play piano by ear and she loved to sing. Some of the family's fondest memories are of their Mother playing the piano and singing her favorite pop songs and old time melodies. She eventually became a vocalist at St John's Church and was in demand for local weddings and funerals. She continued to lead the congregation in song for the rest of her life. She especially loved to sing along to the recitation of the rosary.
After years of logging, in 1967, Agnes and Ted purchased the Palace Cafe in Ellensburg. Working outside of the home for the first time in her life, Agnes perfected the art of serving her specialty dish of raviolis and pies on a large scale. The Palace was ventually turned over to two sons, John and Peter Bugni.
Agnes was selected to serve as Queen of the upper Kittitas County Pioneer days, in 2004. This was a tremendous honor for her to be chosen to represent the community.
She loved the events and all of the people she was able to meet and entertain.
Agnes practiced her faith in Jesus Christ throughout her daily life. She was one of the most humble and charitable souls who has inhabited this earth. As a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist, Catholic Church she was very active in worship and the charitable work of her church community. Agnes was a member of the Cle Elum Altar Society and YLI. She often led the weekly rosary recital and was a long time member of the church choir. One of her greatest joys was saying the rosary and attending daily mass.
Agnes is survived by her sister Joan Meadows, her sons Michael (Penny) Bugni of Bellevue; John (Karen) Bugni of Ellensburg, Pete (Gloria) Bugni of Ellensburg and Charles Bugni Taylor Road; daughters Frances (John) Miller of Kent, Mary Ellen (Jim) Brunaugh of Vancouver, and Theresa Barlen of Ellensburg; and 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son Paul, her husband Ted, her brothers Clyde Fischer and Paul Gerome Fischer; her sisters Eva Hess, Ruth Pinter and Christine O'Brien.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sudan Relief Fund, P.O. Box 7084 Merriffield, VA 22116.
The family would like to thank Hospice staff for their support and assistance.