Larry G. MIX

1953 - 2022

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022, at his home in Spangle, WA, from a rare neurologic form of dementia called Picks Disease. Larry was born on March 24, 1953, in Aberdeen, WA. He moved a lot growing up, but settled in the Spangle area his senior year, graduating from Liberty High School in 1971. It was there he met and fell in love with his wife of 50 years, Sharon, when they played opposite leads in the fall musical, Bye-Bye Birdie. They were married a year later on September 1, 1972.

Larry began working at Eastern Washington University and was there for 27 years. He then went to work at the Community Colleges of Spokane for three years and retired with 30 years from the State of Washington. While working at EWU Larry earned his BA degree and ultimately his MA in Communication Studies. Service oriented, he also worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Town of Spangle and SCFD #3 for over 20 years. During this time, Larry and Sharon raised their three children, Lori, Jeff and Jerrod. Larry loved watching his kids' sports and activities, and even with his busy schedule seldom missed any of their games, performances or events. He loved playing his guitar and singing, working out, going on walks, and white water rafting and camping, where he made his famous "river breakfast" over the open fire. He was happiest when spending quality time with friends and family.

Following his retirement, Larry put his masters degree and love of teaching to use and became a part-time instructor for SFCC, teaching Speech and Interpersonal Communications. He also taught Running Start courses at Wellpinit High School, did GED instruction at the Airway Heights Correctional Facility, and developed and administered several workshops on reentering the workforce and personnel development. Additionally, Larry spent many years teaching First Aid classes for Liberty School District and other schools in the region.

Larry was very active in the Spangle Church, serving as a deacon, an elder, Sunday School teacher, and Praise and Worship leader. One of his great passions in life was playing guitar and singing with his wife and the worship team. He wrote many original songs for worship, Sunday School, and Bible School sessions. He also was instrumental in getting the Spangle Food Bank established within the church and later, serving as director, coordinating with the Spokane Second Harvest food bank.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, daughter Lori (Rick) Birnel, sons Jeff (Kristin) Mix and Jerrod (Samaneh) Mix, brothers David, Robert and Frank Mix sisters Denise (Tim) Gerlitz and Linda Matson, brother and sisters-in-law Dick (Nancy) Piersol and Janet Johnson; granddaughters Kyla (Wes) Parkison, Shayla, Matilda, Finley, Romina and Talayeh; great-granddaughter Solara who especially loved her "Bompa" and great-granddaughter, Hazel. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of which he loved greatly, and many other friends and relatives. A very special person in Larry's life who became a caring friend and part of the family is his long-time caregiver, Jared Stolz. The family wants to thank Jared for his devotion and excellent care, as well as the agency caregivers from Home Instead and Right at Home. A special thank you as well goes to Hospice of Spokane for the support provided this past year as they lovingly helped us through this process.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Howard Mix, mother and stepfather, Ella Mae and Marold Cook, sister, Darlene Cook, niece, Diane Cook, and his father and mother-in-law, Virgal and Wilma Piersol.

Larry was a selfless and extraordinary man who will be remembered with love and missed greatly by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Liberty Education Foundation, Hospice of Spokane, the Union Gospel Mission, or the Spangle Food Bank.