Molly's story began in Spokane WA where she was born the 2nd  child to Keith and Dolores Yates on Feb. 4, 1951. Molly had one older sibling Tom and four younger: Rick, Nancy, Dannielle and Pamela. Growing up in a family of six children and being the oldest girl meant high expectations at an early age. Molly was like a little mother. She took care of her younger sisters, helped in the kitchen, and kept the house clean. This helped her to mature early and develop a sense of responsibility. Molly sewed many of her clothes as well as look-a-like dresses for herself and her three sisters from check gingham, each in a different color.

A sense of fashion came early. At age 4, Molly stood on a metal doll highchair in her bedroom, trying to reach a pressed dress her mother told her she couldn't play in outside. The highchair gave way under her, catching her right little toe and nearly cutting it off.

Every summer Molly's family loaded their station wagon for two weeks of camping and visiting family, staying in a 9 x 11 ft. green canvas tent with one pole in the center. Molly at 7-1/2 would not wear jeans or pants without a real hassle and would not go out of the tent without her hair combed.

Saturdays were often spent on family outings to the Puget Sound, Cascades, Ocean beaches or museums. It is interesting how many times her family traveled in the San Juan Islands where Molly eventually spent 23 years of her life.

Molly's love of water began early. The summer of 1969, the family lived at Liberty Lake and Molly took swim lessons and earned a lifeguard certificate. She liked water and snow skiing and absolutely loved boating.

As a teenager, Molly worked hard at school, church and outside jobs. She was an excellent and popular student. During 9th grade she won an Outstanding Citizenship of the Year award. In 10th  grade Molly was in the Pep Club, choir and Girls Recreation Association. In her junior year she was a Girls Club officer. During Molly's senior year she was named a Miss Bothell contestant and rode on the trunk of our Mustang convertible for the annual parade. In May 1969, she graduated from Bothell High and received three college scholarships. She was resilient perhaps because of growing up in a large family and moving 17 times before she left home for college.

Molly met her husband, Forrest (Forrie) McIntosh, Jr while attending Northwest Christian College (NCC) in Eugene, OR. They got married on Dec. 18, 1971. Following graduation from NCC, Forrie attended graduate school at Phillips University in Enid, OK.

Just before their first child, Jennifer Camille, was born in Portland, OR in Oct 1975, they moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Brandon Heath, their second child, was born Dec 1978 on their wedding anniversary, while living in Gig Harbor, WA.

After their two children,  Jennifer and Brandon, were in grade school, Molly went back to work and eventually found her way into interior design. She always had an eye for color, texture and design. Blended with detail orientation, a love of people and affinity for creating spaces of beauty and function made this career a perfect fit for her. Her vision and elegant style made for environments that bring joy, welcome and nurture when people walk in the door. In her career and business Gracious Living Interior Design™, Molly was most proud of:

• Being selected to do a room at the Seattle Interiors Show at Seattle Convention Center and Seattle Symphony Show House
• Being a contributing designer for the Shore Décor book and Detached Building Book published by Schiffer
• Passing the national  interior design test making her a professional member of Northwest Society of Interior Designers and an Allied Member of American Society of Interior Design without having gone to interior design school
• Owning her own business 32 years and trademarking its name and logo

Molly did a lot of the parenting when the kids were growing up, as Forrie traveled frequently for work. Many nights she worked late after Jennifer and Brandon were in bed to complete client's orders etc. One of her proudest achievements was raising two strong-willed, bright, talented, successful children.

Both took very different paths in their careers – one a university professor of hydrogeochemistry and associate department head,  the other a professional classical Indian musician and director of the Seattle Raga Institute. She couldn't have been prouder of who they became as adults.

Married 53 years, Molly and Forrie were successful in life and work. The family crisscrossed the United States and lived in multiple states before resettling in Washington. Molly restarted her interior design business a few times and the kids changed schools over the course of Forrie's long career in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Yet the ups and downs made them stronger. Their homes and boats were displays for Molly's business and Forrie's devotion to "do it yourself" from carpentry to plumbing to electrical.

While living in Sammamish, Molly was a Stephen Minister, a lay congregation member trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life and bring Christ's love and care during a time of need.  Molly had a big heart and open mind.

In 2002 they uprooted and designed and built a dream home in Anacortes to realize the vision of overlooking the Puget Sound in retirement and being closer to boating destinations. In Anacortes, Molly was active with the Chamber of Commerce and cultivated a large group of close friends (many of whom had been clients) and church family at Westminster Presbyterian. She sewed for Days for Girls and participated in the church kitchen and fellowship hall remodel which many call a legacy to the community.

Molly was adventurous and loved to travel. Some of her favorite trips were to India, Bhutan, China, Spain, Portugal, Paris, Rome, Scotland, Cinque Terra, Haida Gwaii, and Hawaii. She was enamored with architecture, textiles and art carrying home treasures from around the world. Her favorite activity during the summer was boating on Crail with Forrie over to Roche Harbor, Sydney, Salt Spring Island, Desolation Sound, and the Broughton Archipelago.

Early in 2023, Molly was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. She faced it with courage and never allowed cancer to define her life. In the beginning she didn't ask why me but rather why not me. She lived a clean healthy lifestyle but knew the prevalence of this dreaded disease. She had indescribable fortitude and optimism, not wanting to look back but forward.

Over the past two years she focused on what was most precious to her – time with family, friends and on the water. She prepared her family for her passing and lived to hear Rishabh's college acceptance at UW, travel to Paris with Emily and Jennifer, visit Maui one last time with Forrie, see Jennifer and Dustin's new house, and attend the final kitchen meeting at the church. All along she was uplifted by a remarkable community of people she deeply loved.

She was grateful for the amazing support from The Hutch, NW Hospice, 7 Sister's Homecare, team at Skagit Regional and more. She glowed in the company of others drawing strength and cherishing connection. Molly was surprised how many people far and near followed her cancer journey on Caring Bridge. She never wanted the spotlight on her.

On Sunday, May 4th, Molly passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and daughter. She lived with purpose and connection and the brilliant, beautiful light of her spirit shown through her final breath. She is now free from physical limitations  and pain.

May we remember Molly in our hearts and reflect on how she impacted our lives with her actions. She blessed so many with love, compassion, beauty and kindness. She was loved by many. People were drawn to her gentleness, interest in their stories and grace. She lived a bounty-filled, beautiful life.

Molly is preceded in death by her parents Keith and Dolores Yates; brother Rick. She leaves behind her husband Forrie; siblings Tom, Nancy, Dannielle and Pamela; children Jennifer and Brandon; daughter-in-law Rita and son-in-law Dustin; and grandchildren Rishabh, Bodie and Emily.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you make a donation in Molly's name to Food to Go which provides nutritious, supplemental meals and snacks for students who may experience food insecurity; Days for Girls which provides washable sanitary kits that allow girls to stay in school.

To share memories of Molly, please sign her online guestbook and
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