George C. Getty, a lifelong resident of Shelton, passed away suddenly on May 7, 1940, while conversing with his wife. Born in Paris, Ontario, on August 4, 1880, he moved to Shelton in 1888. Getty was married to Clara B. Wyatt in 1907 and is survived by her and their nine children. Known for his quiet nature, he worked diligently throughout his life. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at Witsiers Chapel.
Nora E. Ferguson, a prominent resident of Kittitas Valley, passed away on January 23, 1968, at the age of 78. Born on February 3, 1889, in Shelton, she moved to the Valley as a child. She married Ben F. Ferguson in 1912, and they farmed on their ranch near Ellensburg. Nora is survived by her husband, son Budd, two daughters, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with three brothers and three sisters. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at Evenson Funeral Home.
Benjamin Franklin Ferguson, aged 93, passed away at a nursing home in Ellensburg. Born on July 14, 1886, he was the son of early settlers James and Elizabeth Ferguson. He married Nora Wyatt in 1912, who predeceased him in 1968. A farmer until his retirement in 1977, Ferguson was also a member of the Baptist Church. He is survived by his son, two daughters, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Evenson Chapel, followed by burial at IOOF Cemetery.
Arthur Wyatt, an 81-year-old resident of Ellensburg, passed away on November 1, 1968, at Bernath Nursing Home. Born on September 15, 1887, in Shelton, he moved to Ellensburg in 1903. He married Helen Hartwell in 1918, who predeceased him in 1952. He is survived by his daughter, two granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren, and siblings. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the IOOF Cemetery, officiated by Rev. John Gaub.
John M. Ferguson, a respected pioneer farmer of Kittitas County, passed away on April 22, 1927, at age 56. Born in Mason County, he moved to Kittitas Valley with his family in 1872. Ferguson was the son of early northwest pioneers, having settled in the area after crossing the plains in 1860. He is survived by his mother, five sisters, and three brothers, with funeral services conducted at the First Baptist Church. He was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Margaret Olive Ferguson Montgomery, a resident of the Kittitas Valley since 1872, passed away on June 30, 1930, due to a short illness. Born on November 22, 1868, in Shelton, Washington, she journeyed on horseback with her family to the valley at a young age. After marrying W. T. Montgomery in 1886, they managed a ranch in the Broadview District until 1909. She is survived by her husband, five daughters, siblings, and six grandchildren. A private funeral will be held at Honeycutts Chapel.
Catherine McEwen passed away on October 16, 1876, at the age of 87 due to heart disease near Oakland, Mason County. She was the daughter of William H. Chambers and Mary Ann Perry, and the wife of Rev. James McEwen. Catherine was the mother of John Hager McEwen, a notable pioneer in Oakland and Ellensburg. She was interred at Oakland Cemetery, which is now unmarked, and a memorial headstone has been established in Shelton Memorial Cemetery.
J. H. McEwen, born February 4, 1832, in Bartholomew County, Indiana, was a pioneering figure in the American West. He traversed the plains to Oregon in 1860 before settling in Washington, where he faced the challenges of early pioneer life. After the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. M. E. Ford in 1905. McEwen passed away on January 31, 1913, at 81, leaving behind a large family, including five children, and a legacy as a devoted husband and community member.
Mrs. F. G. Wyatt, a respected resident of Kittitas, passed away on August 15, 1938, at the age of 76 after a brief illness. Born on January 23, 1862, in Jewitt, Illinois, she married F. G. Wyatt in 1881 and later moved to Kittitas Valley. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1931. Mrs. Wyatt is survived by her husband, eight children, 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Honeycutt Chapel, with interment at IOOF Cemetery.
Felix Grundy Wyatt, a long-time resident of Kittitas Valley, passed away at the age of 90 on January 15, 1948, in Seattle. Born on January 1, 1858, in Illinois, he moved to Washington as a child and later settled in Kittitas in 1904 after marrying Mary Birney in 1881. Following his wife’s death in 1938, he relocated to Seattle to live with his daughter. Wyatt is survived by four daughters, three sons, 16 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are set for January 19, 1948.
Rev. Cushing Eells, D.D., born on February 16, 1810, in Blandford, Massachusetts, was a prominent Congregational minister and missionary. After studying at Williams College and East Windsor Theological Seminary, he served in various educational and pastoral roles across Oregon and Washington. Eells was instrumental in establishing several churches and played a key role in founding Whitman College. He dedicated his life to missionary work among Native Americans and contributed significantly to educational and religious institutions in the region. Eells passed much of his later life in Eastern Washington, promoting faith and community development.
William T. “Bill” Ward, 60, of Cornelius and formerly of Baker City, passed away on April 14, 2003. Born on August 7, 1942, in Dayton, Washington, he grew up in Hood River and attended various colleges. He had a diverse career, working for industries and PGE, before settling in Cornelius. Active in community service, he was known for his work with disabled children, coaching, and as a member of the Jaycee’s. Survived by his wife, Denice, and three children, he also enjoyed hobbies such as rock collecting and photography. Memorials are suggested to the Diabetes and Kidney Foundations.
Dallas Donald “Charlie” Hoffecker, aged 38, passed away on June 10, 2006, in Halfway. A memorial service was held at Pine Valley Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Bill Shields and Pastor Cliff Billings. Born on February 7, 1968, in Baker City, Charlie was an outdoor enthusiast with passions for hunting, fishing, and creativity in photography and storytelling. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his parents, siblings, children, and numerous relatives, and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
John Ronald Langrell, Jr., 76, passed away on March 27 in Baker County, Oregon. Born on September 23, 1929, in Baker City, he held a degree in forestry from Oregon State College. A U.S. Air Force veteran, John dedicated his career to the Oregon State Forestry Department, eventually serving as director of fire protection and prevention. He was passionate about the outdoors, particularly fly fishing. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. No services will be held as per his wishes.
Arthur J. Taylor was born on August 18, 1857, in Staffordshire, England, and immigrated to America at age two. He relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, before moving to the Red River of the North at twelve. In 1884, he became a citizen of Mason County, Washington Territory, where he quickly rose to the position of county auditor after the incumbent’s death. His integrity earned him re-election in 1887, and he proved to be a successful financier. Taylor married Mayme E. Bell on March 10, 1888.