Lucille (Lou) V. Dunkin, born Sept. 12, 1923, passed away Dec. 5, 2015 at the age of 92.
What a wonderful woman she was to everyone she met.
She was born and raised in Chelan, where she met and married her husband of 37 years, Robert (Bob) Dunkin Sr. They moved to Twisp, where they raised five children. In 1970, her oldest daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Gene Autrey, were killed in a car accident, leaving behind four young children: Pam, Leslea, Brad and Greg. Lou and Bob didn’t think twice about taking their grandchildren and raising them as their own. When Bob died in 1976, Lou kept going until all four kids were raised and out on their own. She was a selfless woman who was always there when you needed her. She loved music, playing cards — especially a rousing game of Shanghai with friends and family, or a game of poker at the Eagles; cooking for all the guests she welcomed into her home; and watching the Seahawks and Mariners play.
She also loved yard selling and was known to many as Twisp’s “Queen of the Yard Sale.” Lou was an active member of the Twisp community and was well loved by many people there.
Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her oldest daughter Pat and son-in law Gene Autrey, her youngest son Ed and her son-in-law Frank Smith.
She is survived by her sons, Bob Jr. (Patti) and Rich (Gretchen), her daughter Ann (Frank), 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She will truly be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Lou requested to have a celebration of life party to be held at a later date to accommodate family and friends from out of town. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Methow Valley Community Center or Aero Methow Rescue Service.
