Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1932-05-05
Lola Jane Steen
Dies As Result
OF Operation

Seldom has the community suffered
such shock as that which came with
the announcement last Saturday
morning of the death of Mrs. Garner
Steen. Although it was quite general
~ known that she had been taken to
a Seattle hospital earlier in the week
her condition was not considered such
that her family and friends were at
all doubtful of the outcome of the
operation which oil felt sure would
restore her to normal health.
A minor operation, performed on
Friday. was not successful SO plans
were made to perform major oper-
alton the following morning Mrs. Steen
apparently passed through this oper-
alton as well as the surgeons could
hope, but her strength, robbed by
years of suffering and disease could
not stand the shock, and she passed
away only a few minutes after being
taken from the operating table.
When the word was passed about
that Lola Jane" as she was affec-
tionately known to young and old, was
no more, the whole community was
oppressed by grief. 1t seemed impos-
sible that one so needed; so loved; one
SO full Of the Joy Of life; who bore
malice toward none, could be taken.
There was an outpouring of sympathy
for the young husband and three
motherless babies; for the mother and
father who had lost their youngest
child and for the sister who had lost
such a close companion. This was the
first broken Ink in family whose
ties were unusually close, and whose
service for each other was the first
law.
Lola Jane Mcgowan was born in
Hot Springs, South Dakota, Septem-
Der %, 1901. Here she grew from
childhood to young womanhood loving
and loved by ALL In her early youth
she united with the First Baptist
church of Hot Springs in which she
was an active worker until she came
West and transferred her membership
to the vashon Presbyterian church.
In 1919, following her graduation
from high school Lola Jane came
West to join her parents and sister,
Hazel, and brother, Ross, who had
taken up their residence the previous
winter.
With the sweetness and assurance
of one who has always been the OBJ
ject of love, Lola Jane, proceeded to
make a host of friends here as she had
in her former home. She attended
the University during her first year
in Washington but poor health made
it necessary for her to drop the work
the following year.
For some time she was employed in
the local telephone office thus be-
coming known, through her cheerful
and courteous service, to people In
every part of the Island.
On April 5th, 1925 Lola Jane was
united in marriage to Garner H. Steen.
Three lovely children blessed this
union. Although in poor health for
years, at many times suffering in
tensely, this young wife and mother
carried always sunny smile and de-
spite pain planned and executed wise
ly and well for the best interests of
her family.
On the night of April 9th, she suf-
fered severe attack and was taken
to the hospital where all possible was
done. On Saturday, April 3oth, she
passed quietly away into that rest that
knows no waking.
Funeral services were held Monday
afternoon. The Presbyterian church
was filled with Borrowing friends from
every walk of life: old and young, rich
and poor. The tears in the eyes of
all present; the profusion of lovely
flowers sent as final tribute bore
testimony Of the love and respect all
felt. Rev. E. G. Randall was assisted
in the service by Rev. John Berringer,
former pastor and true friend of
many years. Mr.. Berringer spoke
simply and feelingly of the beauty of
Lola James life. He had performed
her wedding ceremony; had loved her
as his daughter for years; had received
her condolences as her pastor; and
few outside of the family circle knew
her better 1t was particularly fitting
that he should have performed the
last sad rites.
Amidst a profusion of flowers, under