Mary L. Taplett

Mary Louise Taplett A true Wenatchee native, Mary Louise Vaughn Taplett was born at the original St. Anthony's Hospital on June 9, 1923, to Stanley G. Vaughn and Florence L. Rice Vaughn. Her grandfathers were each pioneers to the valley. Mary started school in Wenatchee then moved several different locations since her father worked on Rock Island and Grand Coulee Dams as a heavy equipment operator. When her father was badly injured, her mother had to provide for the family by teaching school in various communities. Mary, the oldest sister, and her older brother Jim became the "keepers of the home" during their teenage years. Mary is a 1941 graduate of Wenatchee High School, and her first job at Ivan's Ice Cream Parlor was to lead to her marriage. She must have made a wicked chocolate milkshake, because a certain Rawland Taplett returned day and day to enjoy one! The wedding took place in her aunt's home on May 10, 1942. Rawland served in the U.S. Army two years during World War II, but his working years were devoted to the fruit business in the Wenatchee Valley. The family grew to three girls and one son, Norene Gibbs, '43, of Chelan and Wenatchee, Mandy Jo, '47, of Apache Junction, AZ, Debbie, '52, of Denver, CO, and Dean, '55, of Ocean Shores, WA. Rawland died in July of 2008. Mary's family has always been her focus; the title of "homemaker" fit her perfectly. Her legacy includes 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren. Mary inherited her mother's teaching talents, and for many years led "Good News Clubs" which were sponsored by CEF. These after school clubs attempted to reach children and parents with the gospel who were not particularly tied to any church program. She worked year after year telling the Bible stories in the Story Book House held in local county fairs. She was also a loyal member of Calvary Bible Church most of her life. She taught Sunday School and Bible School to all ages, including women's Bible studies. The children were really her special love. Her home became a way to bless many groups of friends and families with swim parties, wedding receptions and women's showers. In her later years at her retirement home she was known to be a welcoming encourager to many. She helped wherever she could, singing in their choir playing games, and holding potlucks with residents. Mary's philosophy of life was "spread a little love each day!" A Funeral Service will be on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Chapel of the Valley; 302 9th Street, Wenatchee. Concluding services and interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Bible or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee.

Mary L. Taplett

June 9, 1923 - March 15, 2019