Steven R. Sowers

Steven Robert Sowers, 69, of South Cle Elum, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. A memorial celebration will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Putnam Centennial Center in Cle Elum.

Steve was born on September 17, 1952 in Tacoma, Washington to Glenn & Dixie (Chavanne) Sowers.  He grew up in Tacoma until high school when the family moved to Fox Island where Steve graduated from Peninsula High School in 1970.  Following graduation, Steve attended Tacoma Community College before transferring to Washington State University in Pullman, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1976.

Steve spent a large part of his working years in corrections for the State of Washington, working at different correctional facilities around the western part of the state. Steve retired from the Department of Corrections as the Associate Superintendent of Clallam Bay Correction Center in 1996.  He later worked at the Cle Elum Safeway for a number of years.

While working at the Purdy Treatment center for Women, Steve met fellow corrections officer Barbara Jo Stimach and they married on October 17, 1987. They shared 26 years of marriage together before Barb passed away in 2013.

Steve had a strong sense of volunteerism and giving back to his community.  He was a longtime and very active volunteer at the Putnam Centennial Center and with other clubs and organizations around the Upper County. His friendly smile and giving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by his sister Pamela (Roger) Botnen of Craig, Alaska; nieces Jillian (Tim) Sassone of Cardiff, California and Rachel (Shane) Stewart of Chimacum, Washington; great-nieces Myla, Gemma and August and great-nephew Riley as well as his step-mother Shirley Sowers of Fox Island and siblings Randy (Shani) Eckler and Marty Eckler of Fox Island, Doug (Tammy) Eckler of Tacoma and Lori (John) Nichols of Tenino, Washington,   He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents,  brother Mike and great-niece Kenadie.

Memorial contributions in Steve’s honor are suggested to the Putnam Centennial Center, PO Box 877, Cle Elum, WA 98922

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