The Veterans Memorial Museum will be closed for 2 - 3 months for cleanup and repairs from the flooding that has greatly impacted Lewis County and other areas in the Pacific Northwest.

Lee Grimes, Director at VMM said "The Museum will be back and will better better than ever when we reopen". I wish to thank all the volunteers who have helped pull the carpeting, clean the inside, worked on artifacts, brought food, gave hugs and so much more. We have received phone calls from Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Alaska and cities throughout Washington who have expressed their concern about the Museum. I really did not realize how important this Memorial is to so many people.

We have a long way to go yet with new carpeting, tile, some cabinet reconstruction, artifact restoration, etc. The Museum has sustained a great financial loss that will press our reserves but we will survive. Any financial help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to send a monetary recovery donation, please sent it to: Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532. God bless all of you who have helped so much!

We ask that you join the many that have reached out to help our fellow neighbors who have been displaced or suffered loss during this disaster. There are many organizations like the Salvation Army, United Way, Red Cross and local Churches that are providing help to our community and we suggest that you contact them to see how you to may help.

Patricia Lou Estep was born to Elvis Nichols and Virginia Richards on May 28, 1935 at Fort Lewis, WA. She attended school in Olympia and also in Atascadero, CA. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Loren Estep; son, Alan Estep; many grandchildren and a large extended family.

Patti was an inspiration to all those who knew her. Her faith was unshakable, and she fought cancer with courage and strength until the end. Many people say of Patti, "She was the strongest person I've ever known."

She was an astute business woman and at one time owned six collection agency offices. Patti was a global traveler and loved her family and friends deeply. She was or had been affiliated wit the Rose Society, Eastern Star, VFW, the American Legion and Bethel Assembly of God.

Patti's generosity was legendary benefiting many out of love and concern, both in business and academically.

For the past decade, Patti's life blood has been to bring to fruition the dream of the new Veteran's Memorial Museum. This dream became a reality in July 2005 where she spoke at the dedication ceremony. She was the President of the Board until her death on November 14, 2007.

The above information is from her obituary in the Daily Chronicle and we are thankful for their support of Veterans Memorial Museum, our members, and our Nation's veterans.