"Ione was my music teacher at James Monroe Jr. High School in Seattle. She absolutely shaped my music career with recognition, encouragement and support. I was only 13 when I met her and I took every music class she taught! When Jeff was born I was invited to her home to see the baby! She picked me up and brought me back home again, such was our mutual affection! I still have a photo of her that I cherish! She was a pivotal point in my life, for which I will always be grateful. Right person at the right time!"
In loving memory of
W. Ione Honeycutt
March 16, 1918 - May 20, 2012
Ione was born in Archer, Nebraska to Frank J. and Maude I. (Sinsel) Zamzow before moving to the family soft fruit orchard in Wapato, Washington, where she grew up. Ione taught Sunday School classes as a teenager at the Parker Heights Presbyterian Church. She attended Central Washington college in Ellensburg where she met her husband-to-be, Elbert - she played piano in a three-piece band, and he loved to dance. After graduating, Ione taught music at Woldale Country School near Ellensburg, and at Washougal and Tieton, WA.
Ione and Elbert were married in July, 1941. They lived in New York from 1947 to 1948 while Elbert completed his master's degree in Safety Education before returning to Seattle where they lived the remainder of their lives. Ione resumed her teaching career at Morgan Jr. High until the birth of their only child, Jeff, in 1959 (surprise!); from that point on, she devoted her life to family, church and community service.
Ione directed a large children's choir at the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. She was also quite possibly the best elementary school home room mother ever! Ione was actively involved in the Lake City Presbyterian Church as director of the chancel, youth and hand bell choirs for many years; she was also a substitute organist. Her ice cream socials were legendary, and her creativity and teaching abilities led to innovative and beautiful worship experiences. The ladies in her Circle at Lake City looked forward to the engaging lessons she prepared for their Bible studies. And Ione was instrumental in her church's efforts to sponsor a Mien refugee family; more importantly, she soon became a part of their family, and they hers.
The Honeycutts hosted many get-togethers for family, school and church friends at their Vashon Island log cabin, where many cherished memories were made by those who knew and loved them. Ione was the personification of wisdom, spiritual strength and grace with her nurturing nature; she continually helped family and friends work through times of challenge and concern.
Ione will be buried May 30th at Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima. She was preceded in death by her parents; niece Judy and brother Everett Zamzow; and husband Elbert J. Honeycutt. Surviving are son Jeff, Lakewood (Rise' with daughter, Morgan); nieces Sonja Yeager, Tacoma and Terrie Sharp, Yakima; and grandniece Heidi and nephews, Wenatchee.
Tributes
"My heart and prayers are with you. She was a great lady. It's been a long time since my days at Lake city Pres., but some of my fondest memories."
"Betty Gran"
"My sympathies to you, Jeff, and family and friends. I loved hearing the choir each Sunday, and later being a part of it. Prayers for all."
"Jeff, I didn't meet your mother until I was in my 40s but she instantly became one of my favorites among my mother's many Zamzow cousins. I enjoyed every minute that I spent with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sandra Peterson"
"Beth Cummings"
"Linda Mitchell"
"Dear Jeff, My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Mom. Parents have a place in our hearts that is special beyond words. I hope your memories bring you comfort. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. "
"My first memory of my beloved Aunt Ione was sitting on her lap at the piano at Grandpa and Grandma's watching her play and having her teach me "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" on the black keys. When I was about four years old, she took me with her on a teaching day to the Woldale Country School Northwest of Ellensburg. What fun!! I always felt safe with her. Ione was my rock, an anchor throughout my life - such a blessing. In her tribute, she talked about "Roots" and "Wings" - - she provided both for me. She always had time to listen, to help however she could with her ever-present gentleness, wisdom and grace. She also had a great sense of humor. She introduced me to the comic strip writer, Gary Larson, in a card shop one evening. We started out being the only ones in the shop, but were soon joined by others who were attracted by our uncontrollable laughter. Fun times! Our family gatherings were made special by her Franke Carle style of playing the piano joined by Dad on the banjo. Christmas Carol singing was a favorite time for all. I knew very early in life that I was going to be a music teacher just like my Aunt Ione - - what an inspiration! She was grounded by her faith and family values received while growing up in a solid Christian home. Ione was nurturing and kind - and had strength of steel; intelligent and witty with a tremendous sense of humor; could put words together and make a dull story come to life on the printed page. I loved her letters. She was the personification of wisdom, inspiration and grace sprinkled with a creative imagination that made her a sought after leader in music in schools, Church and Bible studies. She brought her special touch to all endeavors which helped us all with memorable joy and peace. Thanks for the memories, Aunt Ione. "
"Sonja Zamzow Yeager"
"Aunt Ione was the most nurturing, patient and grounded woman I know. She was a beautiful soul. I really didn't get to know her until I was in my 40's, when we had frequent telephone chats. She was my 'sounding board,' and I was her's. She had an aura of calmness and grace. As my husband said, "She was comfortable to be around--very uncomplicated." That is not to say that she was simple. Not in the least. She was highly intelligent. Her simplicity was in her style - timeless - always tasteful and elegant. I so enjoyed hearing and watching her play piano, with ease and talent. I'm told that I have her touch on the piano...I hope so. I miss her beyond words, but I know in my heart that she is in a far better place. Her strife the last 2-4 years is over. Her reunion with family and friends must have been glorious! Jeff, you know that you are one of the luckiest sons to have had such a wonderful woman as your mother! She loved you very much. Our condolences to you and Rise'. "Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories." "
"Michele Larsen"
"Cindi Molz"
"Thank you for sharing this page. Though I never met your mother personally, I know her inspiration, spirit and beliefs live on through you and the people you touch in your life!"
"Jeff, Your Mom did SO much with her life. She helped and cared for so many. I admired her musicality, her patience, her unwavering spirituality, her stubbornness ;) As I told you earlier this week though, her greatest work was you. Wishing you strength and peace in your heart through this hard time. She would bless you with 'peace' if she could. Remember, those we love are never truly gone as long as they remain close in our hearts. Debbie, Kathy & Gage Doherty"
"Fahm Saechao-Ros"
"Evergreen Washelli"