Former Rep. Mary Skinner Has Died

Mary Skinner

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Story Published: Feb 5, 2009 at 9:43 AM PDT

By Robin Wojtanik

YAKIMA -- An official release from the Washington State House of Representatives says Mary Skinner died Thursday surrounded by her family. She was 63.

Skinner was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and served seven terms. She did not seek reelection and retired when her term expired in January.

Her successor, Rep. Norm Johnson, issued this statement: "This is a devastating loss for our community and for the state. Mary was one of the kindest, most caring and selfless individuals I have ever met."

Rep. Charles Ross added, "I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary's passing. She will be dearly missed."

Skinner graduated from Davis High School, attended YVCC and got a B.A. in education from CWU. She was a junior high school teacher for a short time in the Yakima Schools.

She volunteered in more than 18 community groups, including the Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley, the American Association of University Women, Yakima Junior League, the League of Women Voters, and PEO.

She is remembered for her role in high profile projects like the Selah Overpass, the Valley Mall Boulevard extension, Millennium Arts Plaza, Capitol Theatre restoration, downtown Yakima redevelopment, and the Yakima Valley College higher education center.

Joint services for Mary and Hal Skinner are being planned through Keith and Keith Funeral home. A memorial scholarship fund is also being set up.

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