Obituary: Staley, Ernest Martin
Age 89
STALEY,
Ernest
Martin
Passed away on February 5, 2012.
He was born on April 12, 1922 on the family farm near Washtucna, WA to Archie and Gertrude (Suckow) Staley.
He lived there until graduating high school in 1940.
He went into the Army in 1942 and served until 1946 when he was honorably discharged.
Ernest married Frances Jean Anderson on June 25, 1945 and they settled in Walla Walla, WA after his discharge.
He went to work for the Walla Walla Fire Department and retired as a captain in 1973.
He also worked as an electrician for several contractors in the area.
In 1975 he moved to Ritzville, WA and established Cascade Electric, retiring in 1987.
He was active in the Methodist Churches in both Walla Walla and Ritzville, serving on many committees and offices, and most recently in the Spokane Valley Baptist Church.
He is a post member of the Walla Walla Elks Club and Ritzville Lion’s Club.
Ernest was best known for the stories and jokes he loved to share.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 66 years, Frances “Jean” Staley, and his sister Anna Marie Herbert.
He is survived by three children, Dennis (Dorothy) Staley of Tumwater, WA, Robyn Hoekstra of Belfair, WA, Kurt (Wanda) Staley of Ritzville, WA; one brother Archie D. Staley of Airway Heights; two grandsons Christopher (Karen) Hull of Ellensburg, WA and Paul Staley (Elizabeth Rogers) of Federal Way, WA and three great-grandchildren Andrew and Melanie Hull and Ethan Staley.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to Rafiki Foundation Inc., mailed to Kurt Staley at 406 W 2nd Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00 PM at the Spokane Valley Baptist Church, 1222 S. McDonald Rd.