Frances Lorene (Strain) McHargue

Frances Lorene (Strain) McHargue, known to family and friends as "Pat", passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, at the age of 100 in Spokane, Washington.

Pat was born September 27, 1923, in Harlan, Kansas. The eldest daughter of Walter and Genevieve (Himebaugh) Strain, she loved being a big sister to Bonnie, Roma, and Marvin. Pat spent her childhood in Hooper, Nebraska, and Harlan, Kansas, where she graduated as the valedictorian in 1940.

After high school, Pat attended a telegraphy school in Omaha, Nebraska. Her first work assignment was in Colfax, Washington, then Tekoa, where she met Charles "Charlie" McHargue in 1943. Pat and Charlie were married on January 17, 1944. Twins Ronald Milton and Donald Walter were born in November, Peggy Lorene came next, and then Salli Joann. The family lived and farmed at the McHargue farm on Lone Pine Road outside of Tekoa.

In 1974, Pat and Charlie built a new home across the road from the home place, which is where Pat lived until January 2024.

The first of seven grandchildren arrived in 1975, which Pat described as "one of the happiest things that ever happened to me." With her own children grown, Pat had more free time to pursue her hobbies and interests. She was on a bowling team, promoted the Dry Pea & Lentil Association at events, did Volkssport walks with friends, and was a member of Bridge club, PTA and PEO. She enjoyed sewing, toll painting and ceramics. She even convinced Charlie to travel with her! They went on cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America and Alaska. They visited Hawaii, and there were many summer trips with the whole family to the Oregon Coast. Pat faithfully documented all of these adventures, as well as life at home, with her camera. There was never a wheat harvest, sunset, sunflower or seagull that wasn't worthy of a photograph!

Pat had the most caring and generous spirit. She had a gift for making everyone feel special in a way that is hard to put into words. Her family and friends are blessed to have so many beautiful memories and the legacy of her loving spirit to bring comfort in the days ahead.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to all the loving caregivers who made it possible for Pat to remain in her home on the farm until January 2024, as well as the compassionate staff at Rockwood Retirement Community where she lived these last six months.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Charles McHargue; sisters Bonnie Eveler and Roma Starnes, brother Marvin Strain, son Ronald McHargue, and son-in-law David Harelson.

She is cherished and survived by son Donald McHargue and wife Rebecca, daughter Peggy Harelson, daughter Salli Heaton and husband Gary, and daughter-in-law Judy McHargue and her companion Cliff Harris; her grandchildren, Tyler Harelson, Trevor & Katie Harelson, Tara & Aaron Fernald, Mike & Shannon McHargue, Andrea & Jeff Packer, Patrick & Aileen Heaton, and Shana & Juan Horvath, 15 great-grandchildren, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at Goldenrod Cemetery in Tekoa. Memorial contributions in Pat's name may be made to the Tekoa Library or the Rockwood Retirement Foundation.

Kramer Funeral Home Tekoa-Palouse is caring for the family. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.kramercares.com.