Luetta Faye Maslen

Luetta Faye Maslen, 67, was called from her hospital bed at Samaritan Hospital to her Heavenly Father on Sept. 1, 2008. Faye was born on June 1, 1941 in Cortez, Colorado, the daughter ofWesley J. Maslen and Zola Othello Maslen (Ayers). In 1946, when Faye was just 5 years old, the Maslen family moved from the high plateaus of Colorado to the dusty gravel streets of a very young Moses Lake. Faye has seen Moses Lake grow from 300 people to where it is now.

Faye's greatest joys in life were spending time with her family and her friends, and loved every holiday. There were lots of backyard barbecues and "lunch bunch" gatherings. One of her favorite events was Fourth of July at the Helmbolt's. Faye was very active in the community, she has been volunteering since she was a child with 4-H and various groups. Forty-two years after graduating high school she was still volunteering. She believed that "a person who lives and works in a community should put something back into their community."

In1979 Faye became involved with the Moses Lake Sorpotomist International, a group of women who provide service to those in their community, especially women and children. One of Faye's s favorite projects was working on the Thanksgiving food baskets. Faye served in a number of leadership positions, including two years as president of the local chapter.

Faye had been an active member of the Spring Festival committee since it's inception in 1980. Faye was instrumental in starting the bed races as part of the annual tradition of the Spring Festival. You could hear her calling out the races all across town, in her nightgown and robe, as dressing up was part of the fun.

Faye was also very active for many years with the Miss Moses Lake Scholarship Pageant. Faye served in all the leadership positions, but her primary responsibility was taking care of the tickets and seating. Her pageant highlight was traveling to Japan with newly crowned Melanie I.G. in the late 1980s.

Faye worked for several organizations including, the Columbia Basin Herald as a photographer, Central Office Supplies and Haley Office Supplies. For a short time she owned and operated a book store in the late 1970s and early 1980s called The Book Nook. When she closed the store, she joined with Mike Chase Sr. in setting up Business Interiors and Equipment, retiring after 25 years in summer of 2007.

Faye also enjoyed many hobbies such as ceramics, photography, gardening, making pickles, jams and vinegar, camping with her niece and nephew and spending time with her family, especially the holidays.

Faye is survived by her brother, Marv Maslen and his wife Mary, her niece Marcy Maslen and nephew Mark Maslen and his wife Keilani and their son Aidyan. Faye will be especially missed by family and her many dear friends, many who were like family. She is a loss to the community.

We find comfort in knowing she is at peace and with God, no longer suffering in pain.

A memorial service to honor Faye's life is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Faye's name to Soroptimst International of Moses Lake, PO Box 283, Moses Lake, WA 98837.