November 25, 1961- February 27, 2025

Mary Ellen Hinkle (Santry) 63, of Bellevue, Washington, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at a hospice center in Kirkland, WA, surrounded by loving friends and family.

Mary Ellen was born in Little Falls, New York, on November 25th, 1961, the daughter of Joseph Santry, Esq., and Beverly Clarke Santry. She spent her early years in Little Falls with her parents and brother, Gregory. In 1977, at the age of 15, she moved to Mercer Island, Washington, where she was welcomed into the home of Diane and Lowell Halvorson and their children, Liana and Ward. She attended Mercer Island High School, graduating in 1979, and began working at the law firm of Lowell Halvorson & Associates.

She was first married in August 1981, and in July 1983, Mary Ellen welcomed her daughter Carly. In the following years Mary Ellen pursued a career in the legal field, working as a legal word processor and assistant at Prince & Woodley in Seattle until 1989.

In February 1993, Mary Ellen married Gregory Hinkle on Mercer Island, and in 1995, they settled in Bellevue, where they built a life together for the next 26 years until Greg’s passing.

Mary Ellen had a dynamic career, including her time at Chris Lewis & Associates on Mercer Island, as the office manager, a brief but exciting venture in fashion and modeling, and a lifelong love of hosting and entertaining. She was a self-described “domestic goddess,” known for her warmth, hospitality, and ability to bring people together. She and Greg shared a passion for travel and boating, often combining the two by cruising the Caribbean.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Carly Baroh, and cherished granddaughter, Gia Kenner, who brought immense joy to her later years. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Holly Hinkle and Heather Hinkle, as well as Holly’s son, Jaxon. Mary Ellen is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews and numerous cousins, and friends whom she held dear throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gregory Hinkle; her brother, Gregory Santry; and her parents, Joseph and Beverly Santry.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, March 30th, from 1:30-3:30pm at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center at 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040.