Lois Ann Fenker

Lois Ann (Motz) Fenker, age 67, of Lacey, Washington, formerly of Seattle, died unexpectedly February 10, 2016. She was born June 22, 1948, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Merle “Bud” and Joan (Leeper) Motz, the third of five daughters. She was a librarian, devoted to improving systems and services in public libraries, and defending intellectual freedom and the right to read for all. She retired from the Seattle Public Library in 2009, having served as Assistant Director during the building of the renowned downtown library. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, John A. Fenker; her mother, Joan (Leeper) Motz; and her sisters, Janet Motz of Lone Tree, Colorado, Myrna Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Eulee Motz of Glendale, Wisconsin, and Beverly Fett of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She had no children. She was predeceased by her father, Merle Motz. Lois grew up along the Colorado River on a peach ranch in Orchard Mesa, attending Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado. She earned her BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her MLS from the University of Denver. Her first library position was at the Longview (Washington) Public Library in 1971, where she fell in love with both her husband, John, and the Pacific Northwest. She stayed with both of them the rest of her life, working in public libraries in Vancouver, Washington, Corvallis, Oregon, and Seattle. Lois was a loving wife, daughter, sister, and aunt; and a kind, caring, and loyal friend. She enjoyed reading and traveling, and was a serious walker, especially around Green Lake and up and down the hills of downtown Seattle. She adored the cats in her life: KiChi in Vancouver and Corvallis, Ashley in Corvallis and Seattle, and her black twins, Bix and Daphne, in Seattle. A few close friends witnessed her cremation on February 18, 2016 at Funeral Alternatives in Lacey, Washington, gathering afterwards at a farewell reception at the welcoming home of local friends. A bench in her memory is planned for the public library in Corvallis. Donations towards this may be sent to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330, in memory of Lois Fenker. Please leave memories of Lois or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.