E. G. Grindrod, an 84-year-old pioneer of Kittitas Valley, passed away at his home shortly after the deaths of his wife, Etta, and son, Roy. Having dedicated much of his life to farming, he later settled in the city. He is survived by a son, George, and two daughters, Ione and Floy. Funeral services are yet to be scheduled. Grindrod’s passing marks a significant loss for the local community, reflecting the deep ties of family and legacy within the valley.
Nora Belle Sharp Cleman, a long-time resident of Kittitas County and one of its earliest settlers, passed away on January 4, 1932, at age 63 due to a brain hemorrhage. Born in Oregon in 1868, she moved to Kittitas Valley in 1874. Nora married in 1887 and is survived by eleven children, three sisters, and two brothers. Funeral services took place at Honeycutt Chapel, with interment at IOOF Cemetery. Her legacy continues through her surviving family members.
Mrs. Dora Evans Crawford Johnson, known as Mrs. George Crawford, died this morning at her daughter’s home after a prolonged illness. Born 54 years ago in Todd County, Minnesota, she had lived in the community since age 14. An active member of the Auxiliary of the Spanish American War Veterans and the Methodist Episcopal Church, she is survived by her husband, one son, three daughters, five grandchildren, and sisters in Denver and Seattle. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday at the Methodist Church.
William Sylvester Huss, an 84-year-old pioneer of Ellensburg, passed away on January 10, 1949. Born in Missouri, he journeyed to Oregon by ox cart in 1865 and later settled in Kittitas Valley in 1885. Huss worked for 25 years at Central Washington College before retiring due to health issues. He was married twice, first to Annette Thompson and later to Rachael Allen, who survives him. He is survived by his son, two daughters, a sister, five brothers, two grandchildren, and numerous relatives.
Mrs. Annette Thompson Huss passed away on October 30, 1923, at her home after a year-long illness. She was born in 1877 in Coveys Cove and married William Sylvester Huss in 1899, moving to Ellensburg shortly after. They had three children: Paul W. Huss, Ruth Ballard, and Marjorie Huss. Mrs. Huss was a cherished community member and active in the Royal Neighbors. She is survived by her husband, children, siblings, and father. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. A. M. Williams.
Leo F. Wippel, aged 43 and a native of Ellensburg, passed away on January 18 at his home in Woldale District, likely from a heart attack. His death followed closely after that of his father, Simon Wippel, who died on January 10. Leo is survived by his sisters, Louise and Helen, and brothers Melvin and Harold. His funeral took place on January 21 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Margaret A. Schnebly passed away on February 9 after a prolonged illness at her daughter’s home. A respected pioneer woman of the valley, she was known for her strong personality and positive influence in the community. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Davidson, two sons, P. H. and C. P. Schnebly, and other relatives. Her funeral, held at her home, was well attended, with Rev. A. K. Smith officiating.
Wendell W. Prater, aged 74, passed away at home in Ellensburg after a long illness. Born on March 11, 1913, he spent his life farming the family land. A graduate of Ellensburg High School and Washington State College, he was active in community service, notably with the First United Methodist Church and the Ellensburg Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his wife JoAnn, two daughters, four grandsons, and a sister. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church.
Cleora L. Pickup, an 81-year-old lifelong resident of Ellensburg, passed away on August 13, 1994. Born on November 6, 1912, in St. Maries, Idaho, she was married to Roland H. Pickup until his passing in 1973. After raising three children, she pursued her interests in quilting and sewing, owning a quilting shop and earning awards at local fairs. She was actively involved in her community and various clubs. Cleora is survived by two sons, a daughter, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Frances Theresa Barnhart Stickney, aged 37, passed away following a brief illness. Born on February 10, 1899, in Ellensburg, she lived most of her life there and was widely recognized in the community. Married in 1918 to Earl E. Stickney, she is survived by her husband, two sons, her mother, three sisters, and four brothers. A graduate of Ellensburg High School and a member of the Christian Church and the Degree of Honor Lodge, her funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at the Honeycutt Chapel.
William Thomas Harris, aged 77, passed away at his home on West 11th Street. His funeral is scheduled for 1:30 PM tomorrow at Rose Inman parlors, conducted by Rev. Straub of the Christian Church, with services under the G.A.R. He resided in Kittitas Valley for 35 years and is survived by his wife and eleven children, mostly in Kittitas County. A veteran of the Grand Army, local members will attend the funeral, and interment will take place at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
The funeral of Mrs. Susan M. Harris, aged 72, was held at the Rose Inman undertaking parlors, officiated by Rev. W. L. Straub, following her death from paralysis. She is survived by eleven children and was predeceased by her husband just weeks prior. Interment took place at the Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Mrs. Lula Shuey, a lifelong resident of Ellensburg, except for a brief period in California, tragically died in an auto accident in La Grande, Oregon. She is survived by her husband and two children. Lula had moved to Oregon three years prior to her untimely death. The news was shared with her brother, R. L. Harris, who resides in Ellensburg.
Lloyd R. Cooke, aged 63, passed away on June 20, 1963, in Fresno, California. Originally from Ellensburg, he had resided in Tacoma for three decades. A retired smelter worker, Cooke was affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Ancient Order of United Workman. He is survived by his wife, Betty; son Kenneth; daughter Barbara Keller; sister Charles Bull; and three grandchildren. Funeral services are being arranged by Cassady and Allen Mortuary.
Charles Robert Shuey, aged 63, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on May 5, 1950, at his farm near Ellensburg. Originally from Missouri, he moved to Kittitas Valley as a child and later lived in LaGrande, Oregon, for two decades before returning in 1942. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, two daughters, six sons, and various siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at the Honeycutt-Evenson Chapel, led by Rev. Hardwick Harshman, with burial at the IOOF Cemetery.
Funeral services for Alta Mae Cooke, a 77-year-old former resident of Kittitas Valley, will be held on Friday in Tacoma. She passed away after eight days in the hospital. Alta Mae, the widow of Jay Cooke, married in 1896 and lived in the Fairview District until his death in 1907. She is survived by her son Howard, four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Cremation will follow the service, with ashes to be returned to Ellensburg, and contributions may be made to the Cancer Fund in lieu of flowers.
Mrs. Minnie Myrtle Prater Wangeman, a former resident of Ellensburg, passed away at her home on Mercer Island on November 4, 1958. Born on October 19, 1876, in Missouri, she moved to Ellensburg in the early 1880s. Minnie is survived by her son, Dr. C. P. Wangeman; daughter, Mrs. Harold Murley; stepson Joe Wangeman; sister; and ten grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday at Greens Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at the IOOF Cemetery.
Norma Prater, 91, passed away on February 14, 1979, at a nursing home. Born on June 28, 1887, in Leadville, Colorado, she relocated to Ellensburg in 1908 and married Jess Prater in 1915. The couple farmed until retiring in 1951. An active community member, she belonged to the First United Methodist Church and several local organizations. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and a sister. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Evenson Chapel, followed by burial at the IOOF Cemetery.
Jess C. Prater, aged 90, passed away on February 28, 1975, in Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. Born on December 24, 1884, he was a lifelong farmer and rancher in the Kittitas Valley. He is survived by his wife, Norma, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage, two sons, two daughters, a sister, eight grandchildren, and numerous extended family members. Prater’s funeral will take place at Evenson Chapel, with burial at IOOF Cemetery. Memorials are suggested for the Muscular Dystrophy Memorial Fund.
Louis Noble, aged 78, a retired mail carrier in the Kittitas Valley, passed away on August 27, 1930, after a prolonged illness. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 5, 1852, he married Addie M. Huntley in 1880 and moved to the valley in 1908. Noble served as a mail carrier for over ten years before retiring to a small farm. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, 11 grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at Honeycutt Chapel.