Ina Marie Ames passed away on April 17th, 2026, in Richland, Washington, due to sudden illness resulting in liver failure. Ina was a devoted mother with a passion for mathematics who helped her daughters and students reach their greatest potential. She held a deep love for animals and art, and cherished time with friends and family.

Ina was born to Ralph and Thelma Blegen in Spokane on August 29th, 1950. She grew up in Whitman County and graduated from Pullman High School in 1968. She attended Washington State University, where she met her husband Randy, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a teaching certificate. Her passion for continuing education led her to earn a Bachelor's in Accounting from Central Washington University and a Master's in Curriculum Development from Eastern Washington University.

Ina taught mathematics at Pasco High School for thirty years with board certification, where she encouraged her students to learn and grow. She served as a 4-H leader and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and baking. She shared a love of mathematics and crossword puzzles with her husband. Together, they renovated and gave new life to old houses with their combined skills in gardening, landscaping, and home improvement.

Ina had a great influence on the educational growth of her daughters and grandchildren. Her daughter Carmen graduated from Washington State University with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and her daughter Crista attended Washington State University and graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Montana in Missoula. Ina was an avid supporter of the interests of her two daughters, especially in retirement.

She is survived by her loving spouse Randy Ames, brother Marcus Blegen (Peggy) of Olympia, daughters Carmen Ames DVM of Kennewick and Crista Ann Ames of Ellensburg, grandchildren Sophie and Lincoln, along with many other family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Haakon Blegen.

Her burial will be on April 25th at 3:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Palouse, Washington. The family will receive friends at a remembrance gathering on May 9th at 2:30 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Kennewick, Washington. Ina will be deeply missed by her best friend and husband of more than fifty-three years and by family and friends across the world. She will forever be remembered for her strong will, deep love of education, and passion to help and support all.

In lieu of flowers, consider joining us in contributing to some of Ina and Randy's nonprofit interests, such as Pet Overpopulation Prevention Tri-Cities, Artist Trust Seattle, Meals on Wheels, or the WSU Ames Family Scholarship in Mathematics.