Mary Ellen Poole

Mary Ellen Poole, 93, passed away on November 17, 2025 at Elysian Estates Senior Living in Kennewick, WA. Mary was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas on March 3, 1932 to Russell Layne and Gladys Gardenhire. Mary lived in the Yakima area most all her life and graduated from Highland High school in Cowiche, WA. Mary spent her working years as an insurance underwriter for United Pacific Reliance Insurance. Along with her husband, Kenneth, she worked on the family ranch in the Gleed area as fruit growers. Mary and Ken were married 69 years before his passing in 2021.
Mary's greatest joy was seeing and spending time with family. She was a great hostess and made the best pies. She loved the holidays and her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews drop by visits.
Mary is survived by her daughter and son in law, Estelle and Steve Marks and her son, Dennis Poole. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Nick Marks, Erik (Jessie) Marks and Laura(Tim) Noonan as well as eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she dearly loved.
Mary will be missed. We want to thank Elysian Estates for their wonderful loving care the past 31/2 years. Mary felt so at home there.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, November 24, at 11:00am at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.