Robert William Storms

Robert William “Bob” or “Stormy” Storms, 71, lifetime Kittitas Valley resident, passed away at his Thorp home on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Per Bob’s wishes, he will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Bob was born on April 20, 1950 in Ellensburg, Washington, the only child of Warner & Betty (Roe) Storms.  He grew up in Ellensburg, graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1968.  He enlisted in the United State Navy in March 1969 and served on the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in December of 1970 and returned home to Ellensburg.

Bob had a phenomenal work ethic, starting as a kid when he had a paper route and mowed lawns to earn money.  This work ethic carried on throughout his life and he held a number of jobs - including the family business (Storms Mobil), Western Feed Supplements, S&K Construction and as a bartender at The Tav to name a few - before he found his niche working (for the second time) at The Tav as the manager which he did until he retired.

Bob met Diane Wesslius and the two hit it off, marrying on October 17, 1981 at the First Christian Church.  They made their home in Ellensburg until 1996 when they built a home outside of Thorp where they have lived since that time.

Bob enjoyed watching football - first the Oakland Raiders and then the Seattle Seahawks - as well as Nascar.  He loved spending time in his garden and found joy in tending to the various birds around his home - building birdhouses, feeding and just observing them.

Bob is survived by his wife, Diane, at the family home in Thorp; special friend from a very young age, Mike Allen; as well as his dear friends and neighbors Bart & Brenda Olson.  Special thanks are due to Bob’s caregiver, Alondra Briseno-Santos as well as to KVH Hospice and Hospice Friends for their love and support over the past several months.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s honor are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause very close to Bob’s heart (www.t2t.org) or to your choice of our local hospice organizations - KVH Hospice or Hospice Friends.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Bob and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com