A Tribute To Mary Skinner

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Story Published: Feb 5, 2009 at 6:40 PM PDT

By Steve Wellman

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As a wife and homemaker Mary Skinner shouldered a life of community service without breaking stride. Skinner served in community leadership positions almost too numerous to list.

Among them were the Yakima Valley Community College Board, co-founder of the Olympia Junior League, the Washington State Medical Association Auxiliary Foundation, and volunteer roles in at least 18 other organizations.

Skinner was elected a State Representative from the 14th district in 1994, and was re-elected until she decided to give up her seat. She finished her term just a few weeks ago.

During those seven terms, she was responsible for the passage of a law mandating double fines in school zones, “Anton's law” the most comprehensive child passenger safety restraint law in the nation, and numerous other laws to assist seniors with long-term care. She also created the position of a state poet laureate.

Former State Senator Alex Deccio remembers Skinner as a peacemaker and a dealmaker. "Jim Clements and I once in awhile we would have a difference of opinion and Mary was always the referee and we were always good friends," said Deccio.

In the Yakima area Skinner also helped bring about the Selah overpass, the Valley Mall Boulevard extension, Millennium Arts Plaza, the Capitol Theater restoration, downtown Yakima redevelopment, and the Yakima Valley College higher education center.

Just a few weeks ago, Skinner lost her husband of more than forty years. Dr. Hal Skinner was a pediatrician and obstetrician.

Former Yakima city council member Norm Johnson was elected to Skinner's legislative seat after she retired. He recently authored a resolution honoring his predecessor. Johnson told Action News: "She loved everybody and nobody ever heard her say ill of anyone and it's just very sad to see Mary gone."

Representative Charles Ross also worked alongside Skinner and offered praise for her years of service.
"Mary should be very proud of the work that she put into making communities safer and brighter across the community," Ross said.

It’s safe to say Mary Skinner's legacy will live on for many years here in the community where she spent her whole life.

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