Fay ALM

Early Wednesday, April 17, the world stopped for a moment for those closest to Fay Alm as she drew her last breath surrounded by family and close friends who meant so much to her. Fay was felled by a cancer that had no cure – lung cancer affecting predominantly non-smoking women. Fay approached this challenge with an attitude that did not include the words "give in." She, along with the best of the best at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle extended an initial prognosis of 16.5 to over 41 months of survival. The battle ended that Wednesday as the cancer took its final toll on this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Fay was born March 8, 1949, in Chewelah to Marjorie and Raymond P. Rausch. She was followed by sister, Kathy (Bill) Reinbold, brother, Peter (Mary Kay) Rausch, sister, Matilda (Dan) Villers, and sister, Michelle (John) Rowley. Fay is also survived by her husband of 54 years – Eric; son, Jason, and his wife – Ashley; and grandchildren, Carson and Ava Alm; who provided "Gramma" with her greatest sense of joy in retired life.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Swiss Valley was hard work and this ethic followed her through her life and the projects – large and small, the travels – near and far, and the adventures she and her husband Eric lived. Fay worked in banking and then purchasing at Northwest Alloys. However, it was only after she finished her long-sought goal of a college degree and becoming a teacher at Gess Elementary in Chewelah, did she realized the role she was meant to fulfill in this life. Her days teaching fifth grade at Gess were some of her most proud.

Fay enjoyed her winter days and social life at 49 Degrees North… but only when they didn't interfere with her following WSU Cougar football games near and far, RV'ing in the motor home, boating on Lake Roosevelt, and perhaps her favorite – traveling and entertaining on her boat PhaseAway… in Puget Sound, often as an ambassador for the WSU Cougar Yacht Club. A spectacular life has been taken too soon leaving behind an opportunity for others to catch that same breath and carry on Fay's legacy of a full selfless life - work hard, have fun, do good, and be good (pretty much).

Fay will be laid to rest with a small gathering of family and friends at the Chewelah Memorial Cemetery on Friday, April 26th at 2:00 pm. Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division in Spokane is in charge of the arrangements.

A Celebration of Life gathering for all is planned for the afternoon on Saturday, May 18. Please check the Riplinger website for details regarding the time and location. Bring your favorite "Fay" story and a smile. We regret to announce, however, that due to restrictions, there will be no dancing on the beams.