Enberg,+Mary+Lou

Mary Lou Enberg, Ph.D. (81) Mary Lou was born in Sedro Woolley, Washington on May 6, 1927 and died on November 2, 2008. After graduating from Sedro Woolley High School, Lou completed her B.S. degree at Washington State College in 1950. Lou taught school in the Yakima area for two years before accepting a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. She served on active duty for three years and remained in the Reserves, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. From 1955-1960, Lou taught at Mount Vernon High School and Skagit Valley Community College. In 1960, she completed her M.S. degree and returned to Washington State University as a faculty member in the Department of Physical Education for Women. She completed her Ph.D. at Purdue University in 1968. In 1977, Lou served as Interim Supervisor of Physical Education and Recreation for the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mary Lou retired from WSU in 1983 as a Professor Emerita. Throughout her life, Lou was recognized for her outstanding abilities and leadership. She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class. At WSC she was Worthy Advisor of the local Rainbow Assembly. She was named Outstanding Senior at WSC and was a member of Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi. Lou also served as the student President of the WSU Women’s Athletic Association. During her career as a professor in the Department of Physical Education for Women, Lou was twice selected by students to be honored as the Outstanding Faculty Member at WSU. Lou was recognized by and received honor awards from several professional organizations, both national and regional, such as the Western Society of Physical Education for College Women. In the late 1970s, Lou was one of a group of WSU physical educators who, in cooperation with the Kennewick and Richland School districts, developed the first competency-based teacher preparation program in physical education in the state of Washington. Lou’s exceptional creativity infused her teaching and professional activities, and she was particularly renowned for delivering multimedia presentations that, in retrospect, were far ahead of her time. Beloved by her students, Lou was one of a kind – unique as an educator and human being. Her steadfast affirmation of the good in all those around her lifted her students, colleagues and friends to new levels of belief in themselves, and inspired us all. Lou loved reading, bridge, the theatre, singing and dancing, and chocolate. But Lou’s greatest love was other people; she will be remembered most for her special ability to warm everyone around her with love, laughter, and song. Mary Lou is survived by her sister Eileen, her nephews Kurt Higgins, Pat Ward (Jean) and Dennis Ward (Sheryl), as well as several great nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her close friends who were also her family. Our special thanks goes to the loving staff at Bishop Place for the excellent care they provided to Lou. A service celebrating Lou’s life will be held at Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman on Monday, November 10th, at 2:00. All are welcome to attend a reception following the service at the home of Carol Gordon, 440 NW Orion Drive. It is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or a charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be sent to www.kimballfh.com. ||
 * (May 6, 1927 - November 2, 2008)