Mary Charlotte Sieg

Mary was born to George and Charlotte (Adams) Yardy in Turlock, CA on April 27, 1929. She was the youngest of the family with four older brothers: David, Paul, Wesley, and James. The oldest brother, David, passed away at the age of seven before Mary was born. She often recalled sweet stories shared by her mother of his short life and deep faith that made lasting impressions.

Growing up in Turlock she was involved in school, church, and youth group activities, as a soloist and a leader. She fondly remembered going to the ocean at Santa Cruz for summer church camp with her family. As a young girl she placed her faith in Jesus as she sang “Come into My Heart” in a Sunday School class and was baptized at age eight. At thirteen Mary contracted rheumatic fever which left her weak and in pain. She recalled being prayed for by her pastor and after a nap awoke without pain. It was a significant moment of healing.

Following high school Mary moved to Seattle, WA to attend Seattle Pacific College. She enjoyed campus life, working in the library and singing in and traveling with a college trio. She sang in the Light and Life Hour Choir of the Free Methodist Church in Seattle and in the choir for the Billy Graham Crusade held in Seattle.

Mary found employment at Best’s Apparel (later acquired by Nordstrom) including modeling furs in the fur department and later worked as a dental assistant in Tacoma, WA. Both places held lifelong impressions: an eye for fashion and a deep appreciation for dental hygiene and a beautiful smile.

In April of 1954 Mary met Robert L. Sieg, a wheat farmer from Hartline, WA, while with friends at the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee, WA. A whirlwind courtship ensued with a marriage proposal at Crown Point overlooking Grand Coulee Dam. The couple married October 30, 1954 at Chapel of Flowers in Bellevue, WA. Following their wedding they drove south to California and honeymooned in Acapulco, Mexico, taking a month to “get to know each other” and to meet and visit Mary’s family. Watching home movies of their wedding and travels were highlights of family gatherings.

After their honeymoon Mary and Robert settled on a wheat farm south of Hartline, WA. Mary was a beautiful, hospitable, and thorough homemaker, preparing delicious meals for company, harvest and farm help. She learned to can and freeze produce that Robert grew in his large garden and arranged beautiful bouquets from his abundant flower garden.

Mary and Robert were blessed with three children: Colleen, Wesley, and Mary Lu. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her family and enjoyed reading and singing with them, providing music lesson support, attending their events as well as teaching them about faith, prayer, and scripture. She taught for many years as a Sunday School teacher and at children’s camps and, along with Robert, led church youth groups. She enjoyed having the family sing or play their instruments together.

Mary and Robert were known for singing in the community and were active in church and community events. Mary was a regional leader and speaker for Christian Women’s Clubs. Over many years Mary led women’s Bible studies in the Coulee Hartline area. She kept in touch with her latest group of ladies through scripture texts into her 95th year. A member of Gideons International with her husband since 1979, the Gideon Auxiliary became a supportive group with the passing of Robert in 1992.

Travel opportunities took her to Europe, England, Sweden, and across the United States. A highlight with Robert was a trip to the Holy Land sponsored by Seattle Pacific University.

Mary’s ten grandchildren were very important and she attended many of their activities including sports, music, and graduations. A trip to Hawaii was one of the shared experiences with her children and grandchildren. She consistently and daily prayed for her family and extended family by name, often sending encouraging texts or notes.

Mary loved and was loved by her family and friends. She enjoyed laughter, a good cup of coffee, and conversation that revolved around gratitude and God’s goodness and faithfulness. She made a “party” out of any get together and loved to share stories. She was an avid reader, surrounded by books, calling them her friends. She enjoyed good music and joyous singing. Her faith in her faithful God steadied her to the end.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, George and Charlotte (Adams) Yardy; brothers, David, Paul, Wesley, James; and husband, Robert L. Sieg. She is survived by her children: Colleen (Sam) Hunter, Wesley (Kelly) Sieg, Mary Lu (Larry) Carlson; grandchildren: Scott (fiancé Caroline) Hunter and Abigail (Jared) Stensgaard; Rebekah, Robert Kent, Mark, and Kaleb Sieg; Stefan (Hillary) Carlson, Grace Carlson, Anastasia (Grant) Bollman, and Ellis (fiancé Erin) Carlson; great-grandchildren: Judah and Avery Carlson; Huxley Bollman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Coulee City Assembly of God Church, Coulee City, WA. Strate Funeral Home of Davenport, WA is in charge of arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with her family at www. stratefuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Mary’s honor to Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate.