Molly Coston passed away on November 18, 2025 in Washougal, WA at the age of 77.  

Molly grew up in rural Greenwood, New York, the eldest of 7 children. She was married for 25 years to Phillip Harris, who preceded her in death in 2012.  She is survived by her siblings, Steve, John, Peter, Marta, Eric and Jim and by Phil's four children Richard, April, James, and Opal.

Molly was a graduate of the University of Arizona and George Washington University.  While attending The University of Arizona, studying Biology/Chemistry, Molly worked as a graveyard waitress through college.  While living in Arizona, her work ethic developed into a diverse career history.  She was one of 3 women out of 50 bus drivers for the City of Tucson.  She owned a cross-country trucking company with a team of drivers.  She worked with water analysis and diary product cultures for the State of Arizona Public Health Department.  She was co-owner and operator of a Tucson bar and restaurant called The Way Station.  Molly went on to work for 30 years in the telecommunications industry, mastering the skills required to be an installer, working digital switches and at the end of her career, she was a Certified Project Manager for multiple million-dollar projects in Alaska.

Molly moved to Washougal in 2000, becoming active in government and volunteerism.  She was a member of the local Rotary Club for 25 years, including as president.  She was also president of the board for the Washougal Arts and Cultural Alliance (WACA), president of the Clark County League of Women Voters, and recently, Chair of the Clark County transit board, C-TRAN.  She also was a Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards board member, a Washougal School District PAC member and Co-chair of the Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club House Committee

She first joined the Washougal City Council in 2005, serving for six years.  After several years away from city government, she was elected Mayor of Washougal in November 2017 and held the position from 2018-2021. After, she was elected to fill an unexpired council position, with her current term set to conclude in 2027.   She was dedicated to the community and consistently approached her work with commitment, fairness and passion.  Even after her term as mayor, she was often called 'Mayor Molly' because she was approachable and took the time to listen and be engaged.   Molly truly believed in community, service to the community, and connecting to others through time well spent. 

In her spare time, Molly was an avid gardener, spending time in both her own garden and the Washougal Community Garden.  She was a chef, often sharing her latest recipes. She loved music, playing the flute and tinkering around on the piano.  Often she could be found listening to jazz, classical and traditional country.  She was a Master Scuba Diver with over 100 dives in places like Micronesia, Philippine's and Puget Sound and on her bucket list,  diving in the Pacific Island of Palau. 

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made or volunteering of time to any of the organizations Molly was passionate about: 

Washougal Arts and Cultural Alliance   https://washougalarts.org/about/ 

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge/Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards    360-887-4106

A celebration of life will be held for Molly on January 24, 2026 at 11:00am at the Washburn Center (Washougal High School), located at 1201 39th St., Washougal, WA 98671.

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