Lois Dunbar Burress

Lois Dunbar Burress, 90, passed away Friday, April 8, 2005 at home in Moses Lake with her husband, Marshall, and daughter, Marsha, at her side.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church. Pastor Ken Sandberg of the Church in Moses Lake will officiate.

Lois was born Sept. 16, 1914 in Burnaby, British Columbia, the daughter of Dr. David and Winifred Dunbar. In 1939, Lois was hired to teach school in Moses Lake after completing her BA in music at the University of Washington. She married Marshall Burress on Sept. 16, 1940.

Lois had a passion for music. She gave private piano lessons, taught music in schools and accompanied numerous choirs for over 50 years. She played piano for both the Presbyterian Church and the Church in Moses Lake. She was an active member in each church at different times in her life. She was a founding member of the local Music Teachers Association. In June of 2004, she was honored by induction into the Washington State Music Teacher's Hall of Fame.

Lois was a founding member of the local Lioness Auxiliary and Moses Lake Golf and Country Club. She was an avid volunteer in the community. She helped immigrants learn English, played piano for weddings and music productions and spent many afternoons playing piano for senior citizens. Her hobbies included golf, bridge and traveling. In September of this year, Lois and Marshall would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Lois is survived by her husband Marshall and daughters Marsha Burress, Sus'e Cairns and Carla (husband Luke) McKean. Grandchildren include Lisa Webb and Dennis Mackay; Jerico, Joshua and Marisa Cairns; Jeromy (wife Chayo), Marshall (wife Kelly), Collin, Lauren, John, McKenzie and Marielle McKean. Great-grandchildren include Taylor, Connor and Madeline Webb; Ashely, Brooke, Jordan and Cadence McKean; Roslyn McKean. She was preceded in death by her brother John Dunbar.

Lois was also a loving aunt, friend to many, and was adored by all for her kind and giving heart. She will be remembered for her bright outlook on life and great sense of humor.

We will always love her.