Mary Soper Robinson, a long time Kennewick resident, joined her parents Hubert & Susannah Soper, brothers Ralph, Hubert, Vern Beverly, sister Bonnie Russ, husband of almost 60 years W. T. Bill Robinson, daughter Barb Barrett, and great-granddaughter Naomi Rose Lahr in rejoicing with the Lord on August 27, 2009. Mary was born in Edgemont, South Dakota April 4, 1929. Around the age of 7 the Soper family moved to Kennewick, establishing the family farm where 10th Ave & Highway 395 is today. With the exception of living in Everett for a short period after marrying Bill in 1946, and living in their first home on the corner of 2nd Ave & Vancouver Street, Mary lived on the farm land for the next 57 years. There she watched her children John, Barb, Tom and Mike go to school and graduate. During this time Mary & Bill opened their hearts and home to foster children. A set of infant twin boys lived with the Robinson family until age 10. "Ike & Butch" then became Jerry & John Abbott and moved to Marysville. Mary's family grew again when Barb met and married Don Barrett. Tom married next, and few years later John. Mary's pride & joy were the resulting grandkids: Janie Barrett Curtis Scott, Stacey Robinson Lahr Rob, Marty Robinson Michelle, Mandy Robinson Wilson Steven, Ronnie Barrett Lisa, Christy Robinson Cannon Jimmie, Willie Robinson Jody, and 12 great-grandchildren. Mary was gifted in many areas: she was an avid self-educated gardener. Her yard was always full of color & beauty. She taught herself to crochet and mastered it. The "Barbie" doll dresses she crocheted are treasured gifts of each daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Each grandchild, up to the 10th great-grandchild, all received a crocheted baby afghan. Her sewing was well known among family & friends. She made many wedding dresses through the years. Once she was approached by a desperate father. He needed a wedding dress and 3 bridesmaid's dresses in a week and Mary delivered this frantic order on time. Mary was also a terrific cook. In mid-late August Mary & Bill would go to the mountains and pick huckleberries one of her favorite pastimes to make jams and fillings for pies. Mary loved going to the Benton-Franklin Fair. She enjoyed the crafts, animals and entertainment. Supporting local events and Kennewick schools were important to her. She was very proud of being a Kennewick Lion. Above all her talents and gifts her incredible love for her family and friends were most important to her. Mary is survived by her brother George Dell of Walla Walla, sisters-in-law Roberta Soper, Stacey, Minnesota, Mary Jane Davidson, Akron, Ohio; loving sons and daughters-in-law John Linda, Tom Kathy, & Mike; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Childhood friend Ramona Murray, of the Wenas Valley, and Mary shared a lifetime of memories. Special thanks to our Total Care caregivers; Emily, Ester, Chavon, Stephanie, Julie Stephanie, Patricia and Annie. Special thanks to our Hospice helpers Craig, Heather and nurse Chris. Special thanks to Leslie and the staff of Avalon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breast Cancer Awareness, Diabetes Association and Parkinson's Research. Mary requested a graveside service only which will be held Monday, August 31, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park 10th & Union Street in Kennewick. Viewing will be one-hour prior to the graveside at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home adjacent to the cemetery.