Wallace (Wally) E. Loe

Wallace (Wally) E. Loe was born to Russell and Hilda Babst Loe on July 9, 1933, on the family farm near Molson, Washington. Wally died unexpectedly on July 23, 2015, in Post Falls, Idaho.

Wally attended school in Molson for 12 years and graduated in 1951. He played basketball in high school and went on to play at Central Washington College in Ellensburg until the spring of 1953. Wally was drafted into the Army in January 1954. He served 18 months in Japan and was discharged in January 1956. While in the Army, Wally married Ruth Rise on April 4, 1954, in Oroville and they were inseparable for 61 years.

After being discharged, Wally worked for Vic Swanson Logging, setting chokers, and for the County Road Department until the spring of 1957 when he decided it was time to finish his education. Wally returned to Central Washington College, playing basketball and graduating in the spring of 1959.

Wally took a teaching and basketball-coaching position in Coulee Dam, where he spent the next 30 years and was able to retire at 55. He coached basketball for seven years, was athletic director, and became the high school principal in 1976, holding this position until he retired in 1989. Wally also served on the Coulee Dam City Council for years.

He enjoyed watching sports, especially with his children and grandchildren playing. You could always find Wally and Ruth at a gym, track, or field somewhere. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reading.

Wally is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Jeff (Sammy) Loe of Yakima; son, Craig (Jill) Loe of Hunters; and daughter, Lisa (Bob) Carlson of Coulee Dam; grandchildren: Jessica Loe (Todd), Tanner (Kateri) Loe, Lindsay Loe, Jeremy Loe, Garrett Carlson (Serena), Kramer Carlson, one great-grandson on the way; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Coulee Dam on Friday, August 14, at the Lake Roosevelt High School gym at 1 p.m., with dessert (Wally's favorite) following AND a Celebration of Life will be held in Molson on Saturday, August 15, at the Grange Hall at noon with a potluck following.  Donations in his memory can be made to the Molson Grange OR Molson Museum and can be mailed to: 915 Nine Mile Rd., Molson, WA 98844.