Former Kennewick mayor dies at age 80

Former Kennewick Mayor Paula Lockwood, a lifelong Kennewick resident and businesswoman, died Monday in Kennewick. She was 80.

Lockwood was first elected to the council in 1988 and elected mayor two years later. She led the council when it decided to transfer Vista Field to the Port of Kennewick.

After losing her bid for re-election in 1997, Lockwood later sued Councilman Tom Walker for defamation.

Walker had published statements on a website accusing Lockwood of being unethical. She eventually dropped the suit.

Lockwood worked for General Electric before becoming a real estate agent for Tri-City Realty and Harold Thompson Realty.

She and husband Richard also owned Lockwood Mini Storage in Kennewick.

Lockwood had three children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, Kennewick, is in charge of arrangements.

This story was originally published May 16, 2018 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Former Kennewick mayor dies at age 80."