Shirley Louise Luoma

     Shirley Louise Luoma, 87, passed away on March 8, 2025, in Raymond, Washington. Born on August 24, 1937, in Dryad, Washington, Shirley was raised in the Doty/Pe Ell area before moving to Raymond as a young girl.

     Shirley married Karl F. Coates in 1955, and though he passed away in 1966, she later found the love of her life in Donald E. Luoma Sr. They married on February 10, 1967, and spent many happy years together. Shirley and Don were devoted foster parents for 44 years, opening their home and hearts to more than 1,500 children. A stay-at-home mom, Shirley also babysat for hundreds of children over 30 years, offering love and guidance. Known as “mom” and “grandma” to many, she made a lasting impact on the lives of all those she cared for.

     A lover of games, Shirley spent countless hours teaching others how to play dice and card games. Her true passion, however, was being outdoors—fishing, crabbing, and clam digging. She loved to share these activities with family, foster children, and friends, though everyone quickly learned to never get between her and her fishing pole. Shirley’s love for fishing was a tradition she passed down to many and took great joy in sharing it with her loved ones.

     Throughout her life, Shirley was a passionate and dedicated supporter of her children, foster children, and friends. She spent countless hours on bleachers, cheering them on as their loudest and proudest cheerleader.

     Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Donald Luoma Sr.; children, Greg (Anaganette) Coates, Carla (Todd) Coates, Shannon (Kory) McGregor, Tony (Ashley) Luoma, Sheree (David) Clines, Donald (Monika) Luoma Jr., and Michael (Joshlynne) Neumeyer; as well as over 50 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy of love, laughter, games and fishing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Meadows and Anna Musick; siblings, Edward Meadows, Larry Meadows, Harold Plummer, and Hilda Huglen; her first husband, Karl Coates; and children, Melody Grove, Bruce Harris, Edward Luoma, Alice Hatley, and Bradley Neumeyer.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Raymond Elks.