Lela McLachlan was born to Lawrence and Lillian Thornton on December 18, 1923 and "phased on over to glory" on November 19, 2009. She was born in Clarksdale, Missouri and relocated to Vancouver, WA as a young woman where she met her sweetheart Melvin McLachlan. They were married Christmas Eve 1945 and celebrated 52 years together before Dad's passing in 1998. Our mom was a prayer warrior and ministered encouragement and hope to many friends. She was an amazing hostess and had a special gift for making pies. Her family and friends often received these as tokens of her love. She loved playing pinochle with family and friends and enjoyed canning. Mom is survived by her four children, Vicki Alexander (Wriston), Denny McLachlan (Mary Ann), Gary McLachlan (Randi) and Cheryl Trenda (John); 9 grandchildren, Trina, Dana, Melanie, Tami, Alissa, Jeremy, Brian, Brenna and Justin; 18 great-grandchildren (her dolls); brother, Glen Thornton (Nancy); brothers-in-law, Marvin McLachlan and Dan Walker; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.