Livona Jean Mahaney

Livona Jean Mahaney, 77, of Moses Lake, passed away October 20, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Livona was born October 8, 1938, in Brainerd, MN, to Arnold and Helen Ellestad. Livona grew up in Minnesota on the family farm, later moving to Prineville, OR and finally settling in Moses Lake, WA. While in Prineville, Livona met the love of her life, Charles ‘Charlie’ E. Mahaney. Livona and Charlie married on January 19, 1957, in Moses Lake, WA at Immanuel Lutheran Church. During their 58 years of marriage, Charlie and Livona focused on family, having four children, and creating a loving home where all were welcome. One of Livona’s greatest accomplishments in life, besides being a loving wife and caring mother, was her adventures as a Navy wife for 20+ years. As a Navy wife, she and Charlie traveled around the United States and Europe. Her next adventure was being an Educational Assistant for the Moses Lake School District, working at Larson Heights Elementary. At Larson, she was able to continue nurturing children, offering a kind word and smile to every child. She retired in 2004 to care for two grandchildren who were soon to be born. Livona loved life and always put the needs of others above her own. Her hobbies included cooking, sewing, reading, and antiquing. She loved the outdoors; tending to her roses and listening to the birds. Livona was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Her faith was ever-present and showed in her every word and deed. Livona left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her unconditional love and kindness will be greatly missed. Livona spent her last years battling a rare neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Livona’s loving husband, children and their spouses, cared for her at home with the support of Assured Hospice of Moses Lake. Livona’s last year and a half was spent at Touch of Love, an Adult Family Home in Moses Lake, where the owners and staff provided loving and compassionate care. Livona never complained, even after losing her mobility and ability to speak. Up to the end, Livona was grateful for her time spent with loved ones and friends. Livona is survived by her husband, Charles Mahaney; four children, Chuck (Sue) Mahaney, David (Nancy) Mahaney, Kathy (David) Rowland, and Mary (Gary) Otey, all of Moses Lake, WA; six grandchildren, Ryan (Natasha), Nick, Aubrey, Jenna, Samuel and Grace; and one great-grandchild, Gunner. She is also survived by her brother Gordon (Margie) Ellestad, sister-in-law, Evie Ellestad, and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vernon Ellestad. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Moses Lake, WA, on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Touch of Love, Adult Family Home, c/o Megan Rolly, Moses Lake, or Cure PSP, www.curepsp.org. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com.

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Livona Jean Mahaney

October 8, 1938 - October 20, 2015