The Ingwersen’s moved to Chehalis from California in the 1990s. The two actively supported the community by contributing to projects such as the Chehalis Kiddie Spray Park, the indoor baseball practice facility, the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, and by covering the early expenses for W.F. West High School’s molecular genetics program. Ray Ingwersen died in 2008 and his wife, Mary, died in 2012.

Now, the couple joins other farsighted local benefactors like the high school’s namesake, William F. West, and John Coffman, who left part of their estates for scholarship funding and furthering education. Chehalis is incredibly fortunate to have had people like the Ingwersen’s who so loved this community and passionately believed in it that they wanted to leave a legacy such as their generous gift. Each year STEM teachers at the high school select the outstanding STEM student from among the graduating seniors.