May 17, 2023

Russell E. “Russ” Belsaas, a cherished husband, loving father, and passionate motorcycle enthusiast, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the age of 69. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the McIntosh Ranch in Ellensburg.

Born on June 24, 1953, in Ellensburg, Washington, Russ...

May 9, 2023

Byron R. (Bappe) Bowen, 86, born to Lela Ila Edwards and Victor Rollin Bappe, a longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Kittitas Valley Hospital.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.

Byron was born on...

May 9, 2023

Carol Draper knew it took a village to raise a child right—so she created one.

With one marriage, nine children, and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Carol built a family on the foundations of God, kindness, and hospitality. Surrounded by many of her villagers, Carol passed away peacefully in Ellensburg on May 9. Her children serenaded her...

May 5, 2023

Harold Gordon “Hal” Umland, age 84, passed peacefully at his Ellensburg home on Friday, May 5, 2023 from pulmonary fibrosis.  Hal faced mortality bravely, his lucidity and humor intact.  In his final weeks he was uplifted by the many visits of family, friends, and colleagues.  At the end, Hal was held and comforted by his loving wife, Donna, and...

May 5, 2023

On the evening of May 5, 2023, Meng Chou (our beloved wife, mother, and A-ma) passed away.  Her loving husband and son were by her side.  Meng Chou was 80 years old.

Meng Chou was born in Pailin, Cambodia on September 8, 1942.  She was the third child of Kim Thong Tan.

Meng Chou married...

Apr 30, 2023

Murl Wayne Canterberry passed peacefully in his sleep on April 30, 2023 to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a long and well-lived life.

Murl was born December 31, 1928, the second of six children born to Jessie and Richard Canterberry, in Gotebo, Oklahoma.  The depression years were difficult ones for the family.  Their struggles...

Apr 23, 2023

Our beautiful mom, the woman we thought would outlive us all, slipped peacefully the surly bonds of earth, and touched the face of God at dusk on April 23, 2023 while in the compassionate care of the staff Kittitas Valley Hospital.

Geraldine Louise Childress (Ross) was born September 23, 1931 in Yakima, WA to Julius Edward and...

Apr 14, 2023

Carri LeAnn (Ristine) Priestley, 46, passed away at her home on Friday, April 14, 2023, due to natural causes. In keeping with her family’s wishes, her memorial service will be private.

Carri was born on May 19, 1976 in Ellensburg, Washington to Gary & Cathi (Wise) Ristine.  She grew up in Ellensburg and graduated from Ellensburg High...

Apr 13, 2023

On April 13, 2023, the world lost a beautiful soul. Barbara Jean Wheatley (Bacon) was born on March 15, 1935, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Atoka and Willie Bacon, both of whom have preceded her in death. Barbara was one of nine children and is survived by her sister, Wanda Harmon.

Barbara had four...

Apr 12, 2023

Weldon Larry Wilson, 80, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Westmoreland Health & Rehab Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg.

Weldon was born on December 1, 1942 at Valley General Hospital in Ellensburg to Samuel and Eleanor Wilson. He grew...

Apr 5, 2023

Roberta Haire, 88, of Ellensburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Prestige Care & Rehab Center in Ellensburg.  A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.  She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at High Valley Memorial Park....

Mar 30, 2023

John Patrick Swords, 39, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at his Ellensburg home. Private family services have been held.

John was born on May 12, 1983 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Michael & Vivian (McManus) Swords. The family moved around due to Michael's career service in the Marine Corps. This allowed John to spend...

Mar 19, 2023

Martha "Marty" (Winston) Button, 83, a resident of Cle Elum, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023.

She was born on December 1, 1939, in Greene County, Alabama, and attended schools in that area. She graduated from the University of Alabama as a Home Economics major. Immediately after graduation, she enlisted in the newly formed Peace Corps and...

Mar 19, 2023

Our beloved Larry Bland, 84, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Yakima Memorial Hospital. The family will host a drop-in reception to celebrate his life from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the home of Bart Bland, 3830 Manastash Road in Ellensburg.

Larry was born...

Mar 13, 2023

Wilma Eileen Englund (née Hoffman, age 81) passed away peacefully at her home in Ellensburg, Washington, on March 13, 2023, in the company of her husband of 36 years, Arlie, and twin sons, Jake and David. Wilma was a resident of Grant County for over 50 years prior to moving to Ellensburg in 2013, working as a cosmetologist and...

Mar 11, 2023

Norm Woods had his last tee time at 12:48 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 surrounded at home by his family and friends. A celebration of Norm’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 in the Teanaway Hall at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.

Norm was born on April 15, 1951 in Ellensburg...

Mar 5, 2023

Colleen M. (Willette) Major, 97, peacefully left her family on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at her home in Ellensburg.

Colleen was born on January 10, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. Her parents were James & Cecilia (Mayta) Willette. She grew up in Cle Elum and the upper county became a cherished part of Colleen’s life - always...

Mar 2, 2023

Alison L. Helland, 82, known as “Cookie” to those whose life she had touched, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Kittitas Valley Hospital after a brief illness. Cookie was a lifelong resident of Ellensburg and a member of the Ellensburg High School graduating class of 1959. Cookie was very friendly, had an infectious sense of humor and...

Mar 1, 2023

Dr. Nancy E. Allen (Jurenka), PhD, 85, longtime Ellensburg resident and CWU Professor Emerita in Reading Education, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the KVH Hospital in Ellensburg.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church in Ellensburg.

Nancy Allen was known in her academic...

Feb 27, 2023

Michael Anthony “Tony” Malella, 56, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 27, 2023, in Cibolo, Texas. He leaves behind his wife Janel and their three children - Alia (Peyton), Devon, and Kim – as well as three grandchildren - Hudson, Bentley, and Royce. Tony is also survived by his parents Gerry and Valerie Malella, his sister Karen, and niece...