Lorna S. Skeen
Lorna S. Skeen, 87, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2013 at Bishop Place in Pullman, Washington. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Warden, Washington. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.
Lorna was born on August 4, 1925, in Ogden, Utah, daughter of the late Hannah Martina and Joseph Surrage. She married Lyman M. Skeen on September 18, 1946, and they moved their young family to Warden, Washington in 1955. Lyman and Lorna established L&S Clothing in Warden in the early 1960s. They went on to open Skeen's Western Wear in Moses Lake which Lorna proudly ran for 37 years, before reluctantly retiring at the age of 77.
In 1994, the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Association presented Lorna with its Man of the Year award in recognition of her exemplary support of the association and the sport of rodeo. In 2000 the International Western and English Sales Association honored her with the Dennis D. High Award for Excellence "in recognition of her outstanding contributions toward the strength and success of the Western/English retail industry."
A woman of great compassion, Lorna never met a stranger. People were attracted to her genuine warmth, exuberance, and humility. Her favorite self-descriptor was 'dirt-farmer's wife' - a heartfelt acknowledgement to the unwavering support of her partner in every aspect of her life, her husband, Lyman.
Lorna was preceded in death by Lyman in 2008, her brothers, Joe and Bill Surrage, and sister, Ellen Orem. She is survived by her son, Phil; daughter and son-in-law, Tena and Richard Old; and two grandchildren, Hannah and Patrick Old; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Lorna leaves her family and friends with many wonderful memories that will always hold her close to their hearts.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Lorna's memory to the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Queen's Fund, PO Box 367, Moses Lake, WA 98837.