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Madeleine Marie Yvonne Grimes, age 88, died Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at home in Centralia, Washington. She was born Oct. 26, 1937, in Foug, France, to Georges and Marthe Miletic.
In her youth, Madeleine grew up in a large family in Toul, France. She and her family survived the Nazi occupation in France.
In 1958, Madeleine married Donald LaPlaunt in Toul, France. He was in the Army Reserves stationed in Nancy, France. They started their family in France, eventually moving to the United States in 1959. They lived in many places across the United States before settling in Centralia in 1963, to be close to family. They raised five children together. On June 8, 1970, Madeleine was proud to become a U.S. citizen. Don and Madeleine divorced in 1973.
Madeleine continued to live in her cozy home with her children until they were grown. Anyone coming to the front porch could smell her wonderful cooking that started sautéing early in the day. She enjoyed gardening, maintaining a beautiful home and beautiful things. Above all, family was her focus. Madeleine married David Grimes in 1984.
She is survived by her husband, David Grimes of Centralia, Washington; daughters Marianne Baker of Libby, Montana, Michelle (Kevin) Hayes of Centralia, Washington; sons Kenneth (Cindy) LaPlaunt of Guyton, Georgia, Daniel and David LaPlaunt, both of Northwest Washington; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers and five sisters; and her first husband.
A funeral for Madeleine Grimes is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., and a second service at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at Claquato Cemetery Mausoleum, Chehalis, Washington. Interment will follow the second service.
