Leuna (Lou) Ilene Tucker (Smitch), of Kennewick Washington passed away on August 25, 2024, after a long fight with Parkinson's and went to be with her Lord at the age of 73.

She was born on November 7th, 1950, in Pasco, Washington to David and Sheela Smitch. Lou graduated from Kennewick High School in 1969 and went on to study elementary education at Eastern Washington University. After graduating with her teaching degree, she began working at Ridgeview Elementary and later obtained her master's from Washington State University.

Being a teacher was her childhood dream. She was an inspirational and extraordinary teacher mentoring 900 students over a thirty-year career. She was a favorite among students, parents and staff at Ridgeview Elementary where she served the better part of her career as part of a unique and gifted team of teachers, fellow believers, and best friends. She retired from Ridgeview and the career she loved in 2011.

In junior high she met Max Tucker, they became teenage sweethearts dating through junior high and high school until they married on April 19th, 1969, in Kennewick, Washington. They went on to have two children Kelly Tucker (Chadduck) and Andrew Townsend.

In retirement, Lou enjoyed family gatherings, spent time fishing, and traveling with her husband to Mexico and Alaska. Family and friends were very important to her, and she poured into the lives of her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends. She never forgot a birthday, and at Christmas was known for her funny and poetic Christmas letters sent to hundreds of friends and family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Max, daughter Kelly Chadduck (Bob, Alex and Stephanie), son Andrew Townsend (Justine, Dylan, Conor and Eve), Curtis Smitch (Margie), Russell Smitch (Rose), Darren Smitch, Chris Cravens (Mike) Julie Tucker, Tracy Johnson (Dan).

She is preceded in death by her mother Sheela Stevens, father David Smitch, Grandmother Judy Earvin, and sister Vickie Huckle (Smitch).

She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 3:30 p.m. at the Living Room Church located at 1409 S. Garfield Street, Kennewick, Washington.