Helene McGhan

March 12, 1930 - October 01, 2010

Helene McGhan Obituary Helene Ione McGhan, 80, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 1, 2010, at ClareBridge in Spokane. Helene was born to Ludvig and Ina Steneide on March 12, 1930 in Stanley, North Dakota. The family later moved to Tacoma. Helene grew up and attended school in Tacoma, graduating from Stadium High School in 1948. Helene worked as an insurance agent and as a paralegal for many years, taking several years off to raise her son. On October 17, 1953, Helene married Ray McGhan following a six-week courtship. They had one son, Mike. The McGhans made their home in Bellevue. Helene enjoyed keeping an immaculate house and taking care of Ray. Her biggest passion was her immediate family, devoting all her spare time to her husband and son. Helene and Ray were avid square dancers, and at one time were in the Guiness Book of World Records for having participated in the world?s largest square. She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of their square dance outfits. They also enjoyed traveling. In 1991, Helene and Ray moved back to Spokane to be nearer her son?s family. Helene is survived by her son Mike and his wife Dawn of Dayton; granddaughter Kelli Kezele, her husband Dan and their son Jaxon of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; granddaughter Lindsay McGhan of Spokane; and the many caring folks at ClareBridge. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 56 years, Ray. It was Helene?s wish to be cremated and be placed with Ray at Fairmount Memorial Park overlooking the Spokane River. It was also her wish that there be no service. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer?s Association--Inland Northwest Chapter, 910 W. 5th Ave., Ste. 256, Spokane, WA 99204.