Patricia D. (Pat) (May) Henning

Patricia D. (Pat) (May) Henning was the first  born of 5 daughters to Tug and Betty May on April 29, 1945 in Chehalis Washington. She passed quietly on Thursday February 13th after a long illness.

Pat started her career with DSHS as a trainer in the Olympia office shortly after graduation from Centralia High in 1963.  She didn’t have a drivers license, but did own a 1959 Rambler Ambassador, and so the car remained parked while she carpooled and studied to obtain her drivers license.  She loved her job, and her coworkers quickly became lifelong friends. She kept in contact with so many over the years.  Following retirement from the state, Pat could not stay idle long,  so she joined the Lewis County Superior Court, and eventually the Lewis County Prosecutors Office.  She loved every minute of her career.  She became best of friends with Susie Palmateer, who remained by her side through thick and thin until the end. She absolutely loved her connections made during these many years. And She was loved by many.

In 1977 she married Don Henning of Boistfort.  Saying that He was the love of her life, is an understatement. They shared many camping adventures together daring to go where no man, or woman, had gone before. ♥️

Tragically, in 1998 Don passed away while they were together on one such trip.  This left a huge hole in her heart that lasted until her death.  Together again forever now.

Pat is survived by her sisters Kathy (Larry) Chastain, Winlock, Ellen (Joe) Parypa, Centralia. Her step children Becky (Jerry) Aust, Vincent (Theresa) Henning, Tina and Michelle Henning.

Her nieces and nephews Craig Chastain, Shelley Stoner-Teitzel (Wyatt), Katie Parypa-Neva (Nick), Aaron Parypa (Chantelle),  Courtnie Chastain, Taylor Chastain (Matt ) both her niece and care giver, as well as Sophia Neva, and Harper Mitten.   And of course her closest friend and confidant Susie Palmateer.

She has Many cousins all of whom she loved and cared about.

Her sisters Michele May-Stoner and Mary Lou May, Brother in law Joe Parypa, and Granddaughter Jennifer Aust preceded her in death.

A celebration of  life has been planned for March 15 at 1pm City Farm 456 N Market in Chehalis.