Mary Luethe

Mary Lou Bussone-Luethe, 57, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2008 at her residence in Long Beach, Washington. Mary was born in Longview, WA on September 3, 1950. Her parents Albert and Eugenia Bussone raised her in Cathlamet, WA where she attended Julius Wendt grade school through eighth grade. She moved with her family to the Long Beach Peninsula where Mary attended Ilwaco High School. Mary was active as a cheerleader during her sophomore, junior and senior years. In 1968 she was proud to be Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls. Following graduation in 1969 Mary attended Western Business University. Following graduation she returned to Long Beach where she worked at the original Bank of Commerce which later became Rainier Bank. Later she was employed at two local attorney offices, sold real estate and ended her working career after 13 years at Fibre Federal Credit Union in Longview where she was supervisor of the VISA and share draft department. Mary met Gary Luethe in Long Beach and they wed on February 14, 1976. Mary helped raise Gary's children Paul and Evelyn and Mary was often the mom who hosted pizza parties and overnight stays. Mary and Gary parted ways in 1984 and were later blessed to reunite and remarry on February 14, 1998. Mary had a natural magnetism because of her internal and external beauty. Friends were attracted to her generosity and affable nature and always found her company uplifting. The consummate entertainer, she loved hosting parties on the 4th of July and Christmas season. Razor clam digging, fishing in fair weather, reading with children in local schools and working on her computer were favorite endeavors. Once retired she relished traveling with Gary to Kauai, Mexico, various statewide destinations, England, France and the country of her heritage, Italy. Cats were dear to her heart and her recent buddies Classy and Lucky Lady graced her home and provided much comfort. Pictures galore demonstrate their cute antics and Mary's devotion. As an Ilwaco High School graduate Mary donated countless hours to her school. She pressed hard to make the I.H.S. Alumni Donor Campaign successful, helped with the annual alumni picnic and was an inspirational Ocean Beach Education Foundation board director. Martha Murfin was Mary's role model and Mary supported many of Martha's causes for the community's needy children and families. At Christmas time Mary began a women's evening fund raiser. Mary also provided donations to Martha to buy toys and food for families without any resources. Mary's friends will carry on this annual event in her honor. A keynote speaker for the 2007 Relay for Life, a cancer fundraiser, Mary spoke eloquently of her diagnosis of breast cancer in January 1998 and the second occurrence in October 2003. She encouraged all to fight for early diagnosis and treatment. Her words still resonate throughout the community. Her beloved husband Gary and children Paul and Evelyn Luethe survive Mary. Also surviving are her mother Eugenia Bussone; sisters Sue Ann Bussone-Johnson and Sandra Rodal; brother Edward Bussone; nieces Michelle White, Kristen Page, Emilee Bussone-Williams and Karri Boyd; nephews Nathan Stewart and James Rodman; great-nieces Lindsey Hawkins, Ashley Wade and Madalyn Winingham; and great-nephews Mason Boyd and Kyler Hawkins-Phillips. Mary was preceded in death by her father Albert Bussone, aunts Ione Orth, Margaret Holler and Lucille Antler, and uncles Walter Irving, Melvin Irving, Louis Bussone and Frank Bussone. A celebration of Mary's life will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008, 1:00 PM at the Peninsula Church Center, 5550 N Place, Seaview. A reception follows in the church hall. Mary chose to have her physical remains cremated and requested dear friends and family spread her ashes into the Columbia River on a peaceful day. Donations and remembrances may be made to The Relay for Life, OBEF Team in care of Karen Harrell, PO Box 1034, Long Beach, WA 98631; Ocean Beach Education Foundation, PO Box 1377, Long Beach, WA 98631; or the South Pacific County Humane Society, PO Box 101, Long Beach, WA 98631. Share a special memory or sign the guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com.