Cascade Funeral Home Obituaries

Introducing Cascade Funeral Home: A Beacon of Comfort in Cle Elum, WA

Cascade Funeral Home, located at 201 N. Harris, Cle Elum, WA, 98922, has been a pillar of support for families in the community during their most difficult times. With a deep understanding of the importance of honoring loved ones, this funeral home provides compassionate and personalized services to help families navigate the grieving process.

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For years, Cascade Funeral Home has built a reputation for excellence and trust within the community. Their experienced team of funeral professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care and attention to detail, ensuring that every family receives the highest level of service. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services and memorial gatherings, Cascade Funeral Home is committed to helping families create meaningful and memorable tributes to their loved ones.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Reeves "Butch" A. Thielen - April 21, 1939 - July 10, 2020

Departed: 07/10/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Reeves A. “Butch” Thielen passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at the age of 81.  He was born April 21, 1939 in Brainerd, Minnesota, the son of a farmer and a farmer’s wife.  His sister, Barbara, arrived three years earlier.  From a young age he was known as Butch – everyone called him Butch.

As the country climbed out of the Depression, his father, Al, looked west to Seattle and the prospect of a job at Boeing.  He left his wife, Evelyn, behind to settle their affairs before heading west herself in 1942 with the two children in tow to join him.  But fate had other plans for them.  Butch got the measles and the car broke down, forcing them to end their journey in Kittitas County. It was there they stayed.

After high school, Butch worked in the woods for a couple of years before accepting a trainee position with the National Weather Service at Stampede Pass in 1959.  It would become his career, putting in close to 40 years before he retired.

He married Rheta Peele in 1964 and started a family.  Two years later, Butch and Rheta and their two young children moved to Fairbanks, where their third child was born in 1967.  His work took them to several locations in Alaska, and another stop in Arizona, before landing in Yakima in 1977 where he lived until he retired.  After that, he moved to Easton for good.  The kids were grown and Rheta left to follow her own pursuits.  During that time the new house was built, and he began to enjoy quiet days on the land he loved so much.

Butch lived many years with MS and survived cancer twice.  Rheta returned to Washington in 2002 and took up the position of partner and caretaker.  She helped him keep himself and the place in working order and looking good.  In recent years he relied on his wheelchair and his four-wheeler to get him around.  He found ever-inventive ways to do the things he wanted, despite the limits his body placed upon him.

Butch was a kind, quiet man.  He loved being outside where he could often be seen with his faithful canine companion of many years, Bucko.  He spent time hunting, fishing and snowmobiling before his legs stopped doing what he wanted them to.  He was always up for a round of cards, especially cribbage.  He loved to tinker in his work shed.

His children knew a loving father; their cousins a dedicated uncle.  They were all so important to him, even though he struggled at times to tell them how much.  He was the best kind of man there is.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Evelyn (Casey) Thielen; his brother-in-law, Glenn “Bud” Graham; and his nephew, Scott Graham.

He leaves behind his three children:  Shannon Taylor, Eric (JoAnne) Thielen and Holly (Dan) Robinson; his wife Rheta; his sister Barbara and the Graham cousins: Cherie, Casey, Nathan and Amy; six grandchildren: Justin, Jolene, Ben, Emily, Shea and Sean; and one great-grandson: Jaron.

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Johnny Arnold Cresto - Unknown - July 05, 2020

Departed: 07/05/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: John A. Cresto, 86, passed away at his home in Easton, Washington on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

He was born to Ronald and Vadie Cresto on October 15, 1933 in Easton, Washington. John and his family lived in Easton, Washington where he graduated from Easton High School in 1952.

John met the love of his life, Bonnie Cresto in Easton, WA.  They were married on  August 9, 1952 and for 63 years they remained devoted to each other.

He spent his career in a partnership, Cresto & Lanphere, Inc where he worked until he retired.  They built numerous roads for the USFS and Boise Cascade throughout Washington and Oregon. They also spent time in Oklahoma where they were awarded the job of clearing the Eufaula Reservoir.

His most cherished memories came from spending time on his boat with his wife, family and friends, fishing, crabbing and shrimping.  Many summers were spent on Hood Canal, San Juan Islands and salmon fishing in Neah Bay.  These are memories he cherished and experiences that will never be forgotten by his family.

John also enjoyed time spent at the family cabin which brought together four generations of family. He was a great outdoors man and enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom and huckleberry picking. His love for the outdoors was passed onto his sons as well as his grandchildren. These are lasting memories that our grateful hearts will treasure forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Cresto and Vadie Cresto, his wife Bonnie Cresto, sister Lorraine Ireland, and brother Ronald Cresto, Jr.

He is survived by his sons, Johnathan Cresto of Brinnon, WA and Kirk Cresto (and wife Laura Cresto) of Cle Elum, WA; five grandchildren, Tanya Cresto, Denise Case (and husband Jeff), Ashley Peterson (and husband Jason), Brian Cresto (and wife Rachael) and Breanne Cresto; and six great-grandchildren.

Those who knew John would say that he was a kind and loving man with a good sense of humor.   John’s last wishes were that he be laid to rest next to his lovely wife, Bonnie at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.  John requested that no services be held and the family will be honoring his request. The family would like to thank Rob Merkel, PAC at KVH Family Medicine Cle Elum, KVH Hospice and the Easton Fire Department for their kindness and care. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Easton Volunteer Fire Department at PO Box 176 Easton, WA  98925

Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for John's family.

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Edward Ray Wakkuri, Sr. - March 18, 1937 - June 16, 2020

Departed: 06/16/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Edward Ray Wakkuri, Sr., 83, lifetime Cle Elum resident, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at the KVH Hospital in Ellensburg.  At his request, no services will be held.

Edward was born on March 18, 1937 at the family home in Cle Elum to Edward Matt & Vera (Miller) Wakkuri. Following graduation from high school, he went to work as a coal miner at the No. 9 mine and worked there until the mines closed.  He was then employed at several mills in the area, working for Plum Creek Timber Company for 30 years, mostly as a machine operator.  He always participated in the operation of the family farm, first with his parents, then with his sons  and with help from his nephew, Tom Pattee.

Edward is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons Edward (Catherine) Wakkuri, Jr. and Richard (Teresa) Wakkuri; grandchildren Josilyn (Zac) Lybbert and Nolan Wakkuri as well as his sisters Erma Turner and Jean Crawford and their families. He very much enjoyed all his friendships in the neighborhood and community as well.

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David R. White - September 12, 1946 - June 16, 2020

Departed: 06/16/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: David R. White, 73, of Roslyn, passed away at his home the morning of Tuesday, June 16, 2020 with his family by his side.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum.

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Betty Jean Zapel - Unknown - June 16, 2020

Departed: 06/16/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview:

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Janelle Diane Rolcik - February 17, 1965 - June 07, 2020

Departed: 06/07/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Janelle Diane Rolcik was born on February 17, 1965 in Monroe, WA to Bill and Karen Rolcik. She passed away, holding her sister Patti’s hand and into the loving arms of Jesus at Providence Saint Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, after hard fight with metastatic breast cancer. When she was born, it became evident that she had some significant special needs. She spent much of her life in Ellensburg, near her loving family. Despite her challenges, she was a beautiful soul. She loved her friends, family, and caregivers very much. Janelle could be seen around town shopping, paying bills or attending community events. She  loved to push the cart at Fred Meyer! She also really loved car rides, seeing animals, pretty scenery of the valley and seeing the windmills up close. Mostly she just loved being with her family and friends! Janelle was a bit of an imp as well. One time she played a trick on one of her caregivers by grabbing their car keys, putting them in a glass of water, and putting them into the freezer! It took them about a week to find those keys! Her sense of humor was contagious! Janelle did not have a mean bone in her body and was just pure love. Our mama would like to add, “She was the angel of my life.”

Her dad, Bill Rolcik preceded her in death, along with loving grandparents, her Papa Jim and her dear Aunt Shirley.

She is survived by her mother Karen, her sister Patti Woodruff (Ron, Ben & Megan) of Belfair, formerly of Ellensburg and Cle Elum. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who dearly loved her.  The family would like to thank everyone in the community, especially the wonderful folks at Elmview, the folks at the Developmental Disabilities office at DSHS and the wide variety of medical staff both in and out of the valley. So many cared for her and for that, we are grateful. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice and Hospital of Olympia during her last days. Their excellent care and love are cherished. Instead of a service, the family would like to invite you say a little prayer in celebration of her life. If desired, please consider remembrances to Elmview of Ellensburg or to the Bill Rolcik Scholarship Fund in care of the Cle Elum Police Department.

God bless you and yours.

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Scott Seymour - June 22, 1957 - April 14, 2020

Departed: 04/14/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Scott Ira Seymour, 62, longtime Cle Elum resident, passed away from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.  A celebration of Scott’s life will be held once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

Scott was born on June 22, 1957 in Burbank, California to Russell & Doris (Daniels) Seymour.  He spent his younger years in the Burbank area before the family moved to Loomis, California when Scott was not quite a teenager.  He finished high school in Loomis and graduated in 1975.  He married Lori McCain in 1980 and was blessed with three boys – Christopher, William and Andrew.  That marriage later ended in divorce.

Scott was a carpenter by trade and he spent many years doing various types of construction work both in California and in Washington.  After living for a brief time in Bellevue, Scott moved to Cle Elum in 2001 where he worked on the Snowcap Lodge, the “new” Old No. 3 Tavern and the 2R Bar and Bistro.  He eventually began providing maintenance and landscaping services all over the upper county.  He met his long-time companion, Carol Lane, in Snoqualmie and they have been together for over 20 years.

Scott enjoyed many things including gardening, hiking and most of all, photography.  He was well known in the community for his beautiful photographs capturing the natural beauty of Kittitas County and would share his photos on Facebook nearly every day.  He was also a great humanitarian who cared very deeply about the upper county and his community as a whole.

Scott is survived by his longtime companion, Carol Lane of Cle Elum; mother Doris A. Daniels of Sequim; sons Christopher (Adrianna) Seymour, William Seymour and Andrew Seymour, all of California; grandchildren Sebastian and Olivia and siblings Greg Seymour, Terri Whittaker, Brian Marthis and Glen Seymour as well as his faithful dog, Kona.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial contributions in Scott’s honor are suggested to any charity or cause that benefits the communities or people of the upper county, such as the ARRF Animal Rescue in Roslyn; the Roslyn/Ronald/Cle Elum Heritage Club or the HopeSource Cle Elum Food Bank.

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Patricia Ann Schiferl - March 13, 1942 - March 23, 2020

Departed: 03/23/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Schiferl, age 78, passed away Monday, March 23, 2020. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 13, 1942 to Russell and Thelma Vogel. The family moved to Washington State when Pat was 3 years old. She had 5 brothers and 1 sister. Robert Vogel of Auburn, WA is the only remaining sibling. She married Larry Schiferl June 4, 1965 and had two boys. Gerald Schiferl of Tenino, WA and Craig D. Schiferl who passed away January 14, 2020 of cancer. Pat has two grandchildren Evan Schiferl (age 18) and Brooklyn (age 11). It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone, a part of us went with you the day God took you home A million times we missed you a million times we cried, if love could have saved you you never would have died Now to the grave we travel the flowers are placed with care, no one knows the heartache, as we turn to leave you there. If tears could build a stairway and heartaches could make a lane, we’d walk a path to Heaven, and bring you back again. Patricia will be missed but always remembered.

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Joseph Venera - June 02, 1934 - March 22, 2020

Departed: 03/22/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Joseph Venera, 85, died of natural causes on March 22, 2020 at the Gentle Care Adult Home in Renton, Washington.  He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Joe was born on June 2, 1934 in Seattle, Washington to Joseph Batista and Clara Marie (Rodella) Venera.  He graduated from Cle Elum-Roslyn High School with the Class of 1952. He attended Central Washington College (now CWU) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1957. He married Janet Marinsic and they settled in a home in Renton. They celebrated 57 years of marriage on December 22, 2019.

Joe was a teacher for the Kent School District for 36 years including his time as the Industrial Cooperative Educational Coordinator assisting many students with securing employment, starting businesses, entering military service, or pursuing educational and training endeavors. He supported Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) with many students competing in national and state competitions for small gas engines. His support for students was far reaching from home coming events, chaperoning proms, to selling Christmas trees for fund-raising activities, to advising the senior class. He also was the Washington State President of Trade and Industrial & Technical & Health Occupations and the Technical Advisor for Renton Technical College.

Joe successfully developed a building trades construction program at Kent Meridian High School which led to the building of seven homes in the Kent community designed and built by local builders and students from three high schools (Kent Meridian, Kentridge, and Kentwood). Another community project which students were involved in was the building the Burlington Green Gazebo in Kent. Students learned how to be involved and connected to their community with these efforts.

His passion for students extended in many of his accolades and achievements to include a certificate of recognition from the Washington Education Association (WEA), 25 years of outstanding service in Industrial Arts Education, the United States Navy – Educator Orientation Visit Program, Trade & Industrial Technical & Health Occupations, Kent School District Advisory Committees and the City of Kent Proclamation for Joe Venera Day on June 14, 1994.

Joe was a member of the Cle Elum Eagles for 67 years, a Cub Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America troop number 489, and a baseball coach for Renton Little League for several years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and mechanically rebuilding automobiles. He was a member of the Roslyn Cemetery Board, Sons of Italy Lodge, and Coal Miner’s Monument Committee.

Joe’s greatest love was for his family and pride in attending numerous activities for his children and grandchildren over the years; celebrating many milestones and accomplishments.  He loved to share all the memories with his friends and neighbors, whom are an extension of his family.

Joe is survived by his wife Janet (Marinsic) Venera at the family home in Renton; sons Glenn Venera and wife Lana of Renton and Scott Venera and wife Teri of Hayden Lake, ID and daughter Linda Venera of Renton; four grandchildren Giovanna Venera of Mesa, AZ, Jarod Venera of Renton, Hanna Venera and Katie Venera of Hayden Lake, ID.

Those who wish to remember Joe in a special way may make gifts in his memory to one of the following: City of Cle Elum Fire Department Association, ATTN:  Chief Ed Mills:  119 W 1st, Cle Elum, WA 98922 or Saint John’s the Baptist Church, 303 W 2nd, Cle Elum, WA 98922 or Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation 211 S. 102nd St, Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168.

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Linda Lee Hall - January 24, 1938 - January 29, 2020

Departed: 01/29/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Linda Lee (Mattielli) Hall, 82, passed away in her sleep on January 29th, 2020 in the comfort of her home, with family at her side.

Linda Lee was born on January 24, 1938 to Anthony “Tony” and Verna (Lund) Mattielli in Cle Elum, Washington. She spent her early years in their family home on East 3rd street where all the local kids gathered. They filled their time riding horses, playing kick the can and orchestrating endless pranks. At an early age Linda and her siblings were introduced to the Cle Elum and Roslyn milk route by helping their mother, Verna, before the start of school. The milk route would remain an integral part of her life. Linda Lee would go on to leave her mark at Cle Elum High. She was part of ASB, Canteen Committee, Pep Club, and Senior Prom Queen. Her kindness led to popularity and followed her all through life.

She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Danny Lee Hall, in June of 1957. In no time at all they welcomed their daughter, Cherie Lynn (Hall) Brumbaugh born in Ellensburg, Washington. Two years later to this union, they added their second daughter Toni Jean (Hall) Gamble, also born in Ellensburg, WA.

Now with 2 small children, Linda Lee and Danny made Cle Elum their home. Danny worked on the Milwaukee Railroad and Linda Lee took over her mother’s milk route. After a few years, work opportunities lead them briefly to Montana, where they met their lifelong friends, Floy & Floyd Collins! In 1964 work opportunities and family ties again led them to pick up roots and head “North to Alaska” where Linda’s parents, Verna & Tony Mattielli, along with her brother, Warren Mattielli, already resided. They called Fairbanks their home for the next 31 years. One of Linda Lee’s first jobs up North was relieving her mom, Verna Mattielli, at the Usibelli Coal Mine as the camp cook. With 2 kids in tow, this journey entailed several miles by car, a river crossing, finished by a ride on the railroad tracks in the doodlebug. Once there, her job entailed cooking for up to 100 miners, 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, in the isolation of Central Alaska. Her other employments included a ten year nanny position with Fran & Hank Zawacki, who would become her lifelong friends, and then eventually worked as manager of the deli in Foodland. Her almost 20 years at the deli perfected her amazing cooking skills and lead to many lasting friendships.

Linda Lee has always prioritized family and her giving nature brought an endless stream of friends and even strangers through her door. This beautiful quality would be her trademark until her very last day. Linda Lee was so excited to retire in 1995 and rejoin her mom, sister, daughters and most of all her GRANDCHILDREN, back home in Cle Elum. She would spend her next 25 years hosting and catering a multitude of gatherings, enjoying her grandchildren and even great grandchildren. It was a usual sight to see Linda Lee and her loving sister, Jeanie Precious, all around town at lunch, basketball games and any other social event that allowed. Together, with help of her two siblings Jeanie Precious and Warren Mattielli, they took care of their mother, Verna Mattielli, in her home until she passed at the age of 105!

Her kindness and generosity had no boundaries and left a lasting impression on everyone that knew her. This was extremely evident in her last couple weeks as the endless stream of family and friends flowed through the front door on East 3rd Street to say their goodbyes.

Linda Lee is preceded in death by her father and mother, Anthony and Verna (Lund) Mattielli, her husband, Danny Lee Hall and her brother-in-law, Tom Precious. She is survived by her sister, Jeanie (Mattielli) Precious, her brother Warren (wife Joan) Mattielli, daughters Cherie (husband Randy) Brumbaugh, and Toni Jean (husband Bill) Gamble. Granddaughters Angelina (husband Kevin) Nicholson, Brittney Kent, Rosanna (husband Pat) Weaver and Dani Lynn Gamble. Great grandchildren Sofia, Bella and Emmy Nicholson, Paris Cantrell, and Kamilla and Fredie Weaver. She is also survived by a huge and loving extended family that we can’t even begin to list.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 pm at the Cle Elum Eagles. It will be in true Cle Elum style, so bring your favorite dish. All donations in memory of Linda Lee can be made to Hospice Friends of Ellensburg, Heritage Club of Upper Kittitas County or the local Sons of Italy.

Many thanks to all the people and organizations for their love and support in making Linda’s last weeks/ days a memorable time for her! Our hearts go out to you!  Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Linda Lee's family.

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John C. Isotalo - September 27, 1949 - January 17, 2020

Departed: 01/17/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: John C. Isotalo, 70, of Cle Elum, passed away at his home on Friday, January 17, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.  A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Putnam Centennial Center in Cle Elum.  John didn’t like the color black so guests are encouraged to wear bright colors – especially blue and green!

John was born on September 27, 1949 in Seattle, Washington to George & Florence (Courtney) Isotalo.  He spent his early years in the Seattle area and the family moved to Ellensburg when John was in junior high.  He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1967.  John married his high school sweetheart, Lorita Plaster, on September 13, 1968.

John had a very long and rewarding career with Safeway working in the stores and the division office.  While working in the Industrial Engineering Department of the division office he earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington. While he was attending college he worked full time and raised his family.  John was a store manager in various stores in Western Washington and retired from the Cle Elum Safeway in 2004 after 32 years with the company.  John couldn’t stand sitting at home and not having any interaction with the public, so in 2005 he went to work for the Suncadia Resort in the Community Services Department.  He was often a greeter and loved visiting with people as they would come and go from the resort.  John  was still employed by Suncadia at the time of his passing.

John loved his family and spent as much time with them as he could – especially his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, pool player and enjoyed playing online poker. He was also a very avid Seattle Seahawks fan.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lorita Isotalo at the family home outside of Cle Elum; daughter Amy (Kevin) Boyle of Selah and son Jason (Melissa) Isotalo of Cle Elum; he will forever be known as Papa to Caitlin, Kayson, Jacob, Summer and Kayla.  John is also survived by his sister Penelope Hepworth of Sutherland, Oregon and brother Edward Weikal of Sequim, Washington.

As mentioned, John loved to talk to people.  Loved to brag about his wife’s baking, even showing pictures to doctors and nurses in the hospital.  John was quick witted, loved to tell jokes and riddles and the more sarcastic comments he could make the better. John would never tell you to have a good day – he’d say, “Make it a good day”.  It’s going to be hard to do that without you here, but we will try.

Memorial contributions in John’s honor are suggested to Hospice Friends, 302 E. 2nd Avenue, Ellensburg.  The family wishes to thank KVH Home Health & Hospice and Hospice Friends for all they did during John’s time on hospice care.

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Craig D. Schiferl - March 08, 1972 - January 14, 2020

Departed: 01/14/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Craig D. Schiferl, 47, of Tacoma, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Craig's family.

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Mary Lynn Hanson - March 21, 1957 - January 12, 2020

Departed: 01/12/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lynn Hanson will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum with burial to follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Park. A Rosary will precede the Mass at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, also at the Church. Viewing will be Monday, January 20 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Cascade Funeral Home in Cle Elum. Mrs. Hanson passed away at her Cle Elum home on Sunday, January 12, 2020.  Mrs. Hanson, 62, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020, in her Cle Elum home unexpectedly from a major cardiac event. Mary was born March 21, 1957 in Yakima, WA to Walter and Ruth Henry who lived there until her parents moved to Sparks, Nevada and then on to Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by California, where she attended high school at Bishop Montgomery and then one more move with her parents her senior year to Kent, WA where she graduated from Kentridge HS. She received her college degree from Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, OR.  Mary went on to work for Boeing in Kent, WA where she met her husband Barry Hanson. They were married on September 29, 1984 and had two children, Christina Goff and Christopher Hanson. After some years spent cake decorating, she went back to school at the age of 40 to fulfill her calling to become a hair dresser – this only second to her utmost passion of being the most devoted wife and mother. As a hair dresser she met a lot of people, and she was always trying to help them in any way she could. Sometimes with a little counseling, sometimes with a hit hairstyle. She always said, “I’ve seen it a thousand times, someone comes in not feeling the greatest and leaves a new person after getting a little lift in their looks.” That is where her heart was, always giving of herself to make people happy. She loved the Lord, and wanted to serve him in every way. She was an accomplished artist and had many hobbies including bird watching, hiking with her trusty furry companion (Ranger the Blue Heeler) and she was always making bread of all sorts. Mary was a humble, loving, giving person. She had a laugh (sometimes known as a cackle) that could go on for days. She was so fun-loving. She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years Barry, daughter Christina, son Christopher, son-in-law Shay, two granddaughters, Adalynn and Annaleigh, brother Fr. William Henry, and two sisters Theresa Piasecki and Susan Horwood. She is proceeded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association.  Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Mary's family.

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Delon A. Sandmire, Jr. - February 18, 1935 - January 12, 2020

Departed: 01/12/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Delon A. Sandmire, Jr., 84, of Ronald, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 12, 2020 with his loving wife Sandi by his side.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the Cle Elum Eagles.

Delon was born February 18, 1935 in Chehalis, WA. His passion was riding motorcycles. He joined the Seattle Cossack Motorcycle Stunt Team in 1979. He and Sandi enjoyed many wonderful trips throughout the US on their Harley. Delon was a fun-loving man with a great sense of humor & loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen. During his lifetime, he held many jobs but most recent was truck driving & then motorcycle escort. In 2014, he & Sandi retired in Ronald, WA.

He is survived by his wife Sandi, son Kurt, daughter Kristy (White) & Kim (Murdock), many grandchildren & great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Delon's family.

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Dennis Michael Young - July 19, 1951 - January 09, 2020

Departed: 01/09/2020 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Dennis Michael Young, 68, of Cle Elum and formerly of the Yakima valley, passed away on January 9, 2020 at the Prestige Care and Rehab Center in Ellensburg.  He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum and a memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2020.

Dennis was born in Yakima, Washington on July 19, 1951 to Thomas and Irene Young.  His life was a challenge for him from the very beginning, and he faced these challenges with dignity and grace. He graduated from Naches High School in 1971.  He belonged to the Masons in Naches and enjoyed bowling on a men’s team in Yakima.  He was honored to have participated in the Special Olympics in Utah as a younger man.

Dennis joined the Air Force on March 14, 1972 and was given a medical discharge on April 10, 1972.  Not to be discouraged, he joined the National Guard in Yakima where he served for six years until a jeep accident ended his military career.  Dennis was very patriotic. He moved to Cle Elum in 2012 to be closer to his loving family. He also loved animals and always asked every person he knew how their pet was, calling each pet by name.  He loved meeting people and those he met were treated to a quick wit and a ready smile.  He will be remembered by all who met him for his charm, warmth and polite manner.

Dennis is survived by his mother, Irene Park and sister, Kathi Swanson, both of Cle Elum; niece Kelly McNeil of Renton; close family friend Daniel Danubio of Cle Elum; aunt Barbara Stetson of Beaverton, Oregon and numerous cousins.   He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Roy Park; father Thomas Young; paternal grandparents Thomas and Elva Young of Yakima; maternal grandparents Clarence and Violet Rader of Naches; cousins Barbie Folkstaad and Ronnie Hembree.  His passing has left a huge void in the lives of his small family, who love him very much and will miss him tremendously.

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Charlotte J. Scott - January 07, 1948 - December 30, 2019

Departed: 12/30/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Charlotte J. Scott, 71, of Cle Elum, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Prestige Care & Rehab Center in Ellensburg.  Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Charlotte's family.

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Rick K. Henderson - December 08, 1957 - December 09, 2019

Departed: 12/09/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Rick Henderson, 62, a lifelong resident of Cle Elum and Roslyn, passed away on December 9, 2019 at Seattle’s Virginia Mason Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Rick was born at the Ellensburg Community Hospital on December 8, 1957 to Charles and Jennie Henderson. He was the second child born and arrived 11 months to the day after his brother Nick.

Growing up, Rick developed a love for the outdoors, his family’s Croatian heritage, and listening to stories of the early days in Roslyn and Cle Elum from his uncles and the old-timers in the area, which instilled his love of local history.

Rick graduated from Cle Elum-Roslyn High in 1976, where he became a standout athlete, excelling in football and track. He was a member of the 1974 football team that placed second in state. He won several medals at the state level in track as a sprinter and member of the relay teams, while also setting school records as a sprinter. He still holds the school record in the 400M race he set in 1976.

After graduating, Rick worked in Healy, Alaska at the Usibelli Coal Mine. He returned home and became a logger in the area. He often worked with the Hill and Renfro families and had his own truck for many years. He also worked with H&D Logging for many years. During his time with H&D, he worked as a snowplow driver for WSDOT, mainly working out of the Hyak and Easton shops. He was hired full time with WSDOT and worked his way up to Maintenance Supervisor at the Hyak Shop on Snoqualmie Pass, a position he held until his passing. He was very proud of his time as a logger and working with WSDOT. He especially enjoyed the crews he worked with at Easton and Hyak, many of which were lifelong friends.

In 1983, Rick became a father. He and girlfriend Shirley Snavely welcomed their son, Nathan Henderson, into the world. Rick spent many adventures with him throughout his life.

Rick had many passions and hobbies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s he volunteered to coach Cle Elum-Roslyn track team. Over the years he helped many young sprinters excel. He had a great passion for track and enjoyed seeing students who shared that passion and helping them succeed. He also spent several years volunteering at Ellensburg High’s Jewett Invitational Track Meet.

His love of football nearly matched his love for track, and despite constant badgering and relentless teasing from his friends and family, he was a longtime loyal fan of the Denver Broncos and watched them win three Super Bowls, most recently Super Bowl 50, which he especially enjoyed because of their performance defensively.

He was a longtime member of the Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald Heritage Club and helped with many projects over the years, including the completion of the Miner’s Memorial in Roslyn. He was especially proud that his uncle Joe Andler had been the model for the miner standing in the memorial. He took great pride as the emcee of the annual Coalminers Memorial and presenting the King Coal Award each year. He put many hours into cleaning and rebuilding the Greenwood Cemetery, and organized many projects there, including a sign for the cemetery built by the Cle Elum-Roslyn high shop class. He was also vice president and president of the Heritage Club.

Rick enjoyed making homemade foods and canning. For years he canned many different foods, made homemade sauerkraut, and homemade wine, which he would often give away. His wine was very popular with friends and family. He also enjoyed cutting meat. He learned how to cut from Johnny Carek at his shop in Ducktown, and often worked with others in the area, including Charlie Glondo and most recently Steve Plesha, who he worked with over the years to build a meat cutting shop in Teanaway.

He also loved to spend time riding horses and camping, most often in Waptus Lake and surrounding areas. Many days were spent with friends and family packing into his uncle’s camp near Waptus. He also camped at Escondido Lake, hunted elk on Waptus Pass, and rode throughout the Alpine Lakes region.

Later in life, Rick achieved a long-time dream with a visit to Croatia, where his grandparents on the Osmonovich side of the family had emigrated from to Roslyn in the early 1900s. He was lucky enough to make several return trips over the years and loved every part of the country. Often he said it reminded him of growing up as a kid in Roslyn. It was the only other place in the world that he wanted to live.

Rick may be best remembered for his love and devotion to friends and family, his humor, his storytelling abilities, and his willingness to help, often putting his needs aside to help friends and family in any way he could.

Rick is preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” Henderson, his uncle Steve “Pip” Osmonovich, his Uncle John “Chick” Osmonovich, and several other aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother Jenny (Osmonovich) Henderson; brother Nick Henderson, son Nathan Henderson, and many uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will greet friends at a visitation on Friday, December 20 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Cascade Funeral Home in Cle Elum. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, in the Memorial Gardens section of the Roslyn Cemetery, with a potluck reception beginning at noon inside the Cle Elum Eagles club.

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Thomas F. Flanagan - July 29, 1953 - November 27, 2019

Departed: 11/27/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Thomas F. Flanagan, 66, of Cle Elum, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service and reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Putnam Centennial Center, 719 E. 3rd St. Cle Elum, WA.

Tom was born on July 29, 1953 in Seattle, Washington to John & Virla (Evans) Flanagan.  He grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1971.  After high school, Tom attended Bellevue Community College for 2 years,then attended  Washington State University in Pullman and earned his degree in Criminal  Justice Studies. Tom worked law enforcement, serving multiple departments including patrol, traffic, SWAT, detectives and street crimes.  He served first briefly with the Bremerton Police Department, then the King County Sheriff’s Office, retiring after 39 years of dedicated service.

Tom married Joey Ann George on August 4, 2012 and they were blessed with over seven wonderful years together. Tom was the light of his family, and to so many friends and acquaintances. He always shined brightly through his smile.

Tom loved to snow ski and served on the ski patrol in his younger years and relished skiing with his kids in their formative years. He loved to go camping and hiking, anything he could do to enjoy the outdoors. After his retirement from King County, it seemed only natural that he went to work for the Department of Natural Resources, helping where he was needed.  He also enjoyed tending to his yard and horses.  He had a great sense of humor and loved people. He will be remembered for his care and compassion for others and for the immeasurable pride he had for his sons, Patrick & Sean.

Tom is survived by his wife, Joey, at the family home in Cle Elum; sons Patrick (Jeannine) Flanagan of Kirkland and Sean (Nina) Flanagan of Montrose, Colorado; step-daughter Randi (Kyle) Ocean of Ft. Collins, Colorado; grandchildren Isabella and Aidan; brothers Steve Flanagan of Kettle Falls and John Flanagan of Bellingham.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor are suggested to the Behind the Badge Foundation, 8309 165th Ave NE Suite 205, Redmond, WA 98052.

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Carrie L. Pentin - January 14, 1938 - November 18, 2019

Departed: 11/18/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Carrie L. Pentin, 81, passed away at her home in Easton on Monday, November 18, 2019.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum.

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Walter R. Carlson - July 18, 1931 - November 11, 2019

Departed: 11/11/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Walter Carlson Sr., Lifelong Cle Elum resident died peacefully at home Monday night, November 11, at the age of 88. His companion of many years, Jennifer Armstrong, was by his side. He was born in Ellensburg on July 18, 1931. Walt lived on Hungry Junction Road with his family until the age of 6, attending the Woldale Grange School.  His family then moved to Peoh Point where his father became a farmer and night watchman for the Traveler’s Hotel. Walt used to like to tell about milking 29 cows every morning by hand. Walt attended Cle Elum Schools, eventually graduating high school in 1951. When Walt was 8 years old he contracted polio, and spent 9 months bedridden in South Cle Elum where he gradually recovered. In 1951, while working at the Cle Elum Chevrolet Garage, he married Ida Albert (Cole), creating a family of 7 children. Next, Walt became the service and parts manager at the McKnight Motors Ford Dealership in Cle Elum until its closure in 1981. Next, Walt became the well-loved custodian and boiler man at the Cle Elum Grade School until his retirement at age 64. Many Upper County residents remember Walt from these years at the grade school. In 1978, Walt married Pansy Montgomery (Wolfe) with stepchildren, Brad Montgomery of South Cle Elum and Theresa Montgomery (Ellison) of Cle Elum, who remain close to this day. Years later, Walt became the defacto stepfather of Reid Armstrong of Bellingham, WA and Ryan Armstrong of Maple Valley, WA. Walter was a lifelong, avid, outdoorsman and golfer, mainly at Sun Country Golf Course. He rode snowmobiles starting in 1968 continuing to the present day. Folks will recall Walt’s famously large wood pile and his love for getting firewood. Walt and Jennifer went on many travel trips together and also enjoyed casinos. Those knowing Walter will recall his love for animals and his many dogs in particular. He and Jennifer spent many days roaming the local area with their dogs. His residence with his beloved dogs on #7 Hill, Cle Elum, for 60 years was known by many. He is survived by his living children, Richard Carlson of Booneville, AR, Karla Kindt of Tucson, AZ, Zoe Boose Carlson of Cle Elum, Walter Carlson Jr. of Ogden, UT, Barry Carlson of Cle Elum, Robert Carlson of Gold Hill, Or, and Marguerite McKenzie of Seattle, WA. Walt has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and step children and step grandchildren. His many friends and family will greatly miss Walt in their lives. At Walt’s request, there will be no memorial services. Any donations in memory of Walt can be directed to ARRF of Roslyn. Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Walt's family.

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Mary Jane Fossatti - October 10, 1936 - November 05, 2019

Departed: 11/05/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Mary Jane Fossatti, 83, of Cle Elum, passed away at the Belair Adult Family Home in Cle Elum on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum.

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Carolyn Nelson-Koch - September 22, 1937 - September 26, 2019

Departed: 09/26/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: A graveside service for Carolyn (Groeschell) Nelson-Koch will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.  Mrs. Koch, a native of Cle Elum, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019 in Puyallup at the age of 82.

Carolyn was born on September 22, 1937 to Joseph & Jenell (Johnson) Groeschell.  She grew up in Cle Elum and attended Cle Elum-Roslyn High School.  She married Harold Jack Nelson in 1956 and the young couple moved to Edmonds where Jack was employed by Boeing.  Jack passed away after a battle with cancer in 1971. Carolyn returned to Cle Elum to raise their four children.  She was a devoted mother and homemaker who loved spending time with her family.  Because of declining health, she moved to Puyallup in the late 90’s to be closer to her daughter.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Tina (Michael) Marusich of Lakewood; Joe (Pam) Nelson of Cle Elum; Harry Nelson of South Cle Elum as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sisters Gayel Jennings, Cherie Groeschell, Betty Dickenson and Lynn Beedle.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her youngest son Jeff Nelson, her sister JoAnn Koch, as well as her parents.

A no-host reception and luncheon will be held at the Cle Elum Senior Center following the graveside services.  Memorial contributions in Carolyn’s honor can be made to CHI Franciscan Foundation, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401.

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Terry Lee Treadwell - October 02, 2019 - September 25, 2019

Departed: 09/25/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: On Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Terry Treadwell, Husband of 47 years to Casey and Dad to Christy, passed away at the age of 67.  Terry was born and raised in Seattle to Lee and Marge Treadwell.At the age of 19, Terry married Casey and joined the USAF. After serving four years in the military, he returned to Washington and joined the Renton Police Dept. where he worked for 25 years. He loved the job and he loved the crew he worked with. Terry and family loved the Cle Elum area and in 1999 they built a home and moved here permanently. Not long after moving here, he surprised his wife and opened the store Chew N Butts. He enjoyed meeting his customers and getting to know the community and made many friends. He was well loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Margie. He leaves his wife Casey, daughter Christy, Son-in-law Tom and grandson Trent. At Terry’s request, there will be no funeral.  Private burial has taken place at Laurel Hill Memorial Park under the direction of Cascade Funeral Home, Cle Elum.

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James A. Graves - March 29, 1955 - August 26, 2019

Departed: 08/26/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: James A. Graves, 64, of Cle Elum, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima following a heart attack earlier in the month.

Jim was born on March 29, 1955 in Kirkland, Washington, the youngest of three children born to James & Deloris (McFarland) Graves.  He grew up in Bellevue and went to work as a carpenter right out of school.  He later founded Graves Construction in the early 1990’s.  Jim was involved in many projects at Suncadia, primarily because of his meticulous nature and attention to the finest of details.  He was still working at the time of his death.

Jim met Sherry Kjellerson in Federal Way in 1983 and the two hit it off, marrying a few years later in Reno, Nevada. Shortly after they met, Jim and Sherry moved to Cle Elum and have made the Upper County their home since that time.  Jim enjoyed doing things spur the moment – including camping – and he and Sherry also took many rides around the Pacific Northwest on their Harley.

Jim was a very friendly guy and could talk to anyone about anything – he never met a stranger! He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sherry of Cle Elum; children Randy (Melissa) Graves of Colorado; Jaimi (Jimmy) Vamvas of Gig Harbor and Jody (Eugene) Brannon of Belfair as well as six grandchildren – Austin, Shaniya, Tyler, Ethan, Peyton and Deklan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ron and sister Marie.

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Jeffrey J. Smith - June 09, 1961 - August 22, 2019

Departed: 08/22/2019 (Cle Elum)

Obituary Preview: Jeffrey James Smith, age 58, of Cle Elum WA, died at home August 22, 2019 in the loving arms of his wife Amanda and son Beckett, after a year-long struggle with esophageal cancer.  It was a struggle he knew from the outset that he couldn’t win.  Nevertheless, he faced his fate with courage, grace, and his irrepressible good humor. A Memorial Celebration will be held at MaMa Vallone’s in Cle Elum starting at 3:30pm Wednesday August 28, 2019. All are welcome.

Jeffrey was born of humble beginnings to struggling – yet ultimately extremely successful – farmers near Walnut Grove MN (yes, THE Walnut Grove).  At age one-and-a-half, he was involved in a near life-threatening accident on the farm resulting in numerous broken bones and severe hemorrhaging that forced him into a protracted hospital stay of six weeks, followed by several months of recovery and rehabilitation at home.  Surviving this - plus the rigors of farming life - gave Jeffrey both an innate resiliency for life and an appreciation of the land and its potential bounty.  He was an active 4-H member, winning numerous animal husbandry prizes both locally and statewide and remained a day-to-day contributor to the successful business his parents’ farm ultimately became.

His early years in Walnut Grove also exposed and nurtured Jeffrey’s many talents that became his passions in life, one of which was billiards.  His parents bought a pool table when he was in the 10th grade, on which he quickly honed his skills.  Self-taught, Jeffrey rose to expert level, playing against – and most often defeating – the best teams in Minnesota.  He won the Minnesota Collegiate Championship at age 19, the all-around State Pool Championship that same year, and still holds the National Collegiate Record as the only player ever undefeated in four consecutive regional championships.  Ultimately, he was ranked 3rd nationally at a competition in Atlanta GA the following year.  When he moved to Seattle – and finally to Cle Elum to help Don Watts establish Swiftwater Cellars – he brought his pool skills with him, most recently claiming First Place in the U.K.C. 8 Ball competition with his team.

Another notable passion of Jeffrey’s was vocal music.  He began performing at local gatherings and talent contests in the Walnut Grove area at age five, and was a member of the All-State Chorus in Minnesota in the ninth grade.  But it wasn’t until college at St. Cloud State (MN) that he found his true musical calling:  singing opera.  He began professional vocal lessons with Chuck Peterson at St. Cloud State and went on to capture leading roles in productions at college and across the state.

In fact, Jeffrey’s move to Washington came as a result of following his college vocal coach’s move to Seattle.  He continued his musical career earning lead roles in productions like The Mikado, Camelot, Oklahoma and many more in and around the Emerald City.  But musical theater wasn’t an easy way to make a living in those days.  So Jeffrey applied his charm and affability skills to the hospitality industry, most notably as a server at one of the finest steak houses in the country, the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle, for fifteen years.  During that time, his study, intimate knowledge, and unparalleled palate of and for wine quality earned him the position as head sommelier at the Met, with responsibility for selecting over $1 million of wine per year for the restaurant.

He was also able to combine his musical talents with his work at the Met – and at other venues – by emceeing special events, his favorite of which was St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.  Billing himself as ‘Jeffrey O’Smith’, he gained fame throughout the Seattle area for his written and recited limericks, traditional Irish songs, and jokes a minute that always brought down the house.   Later in life, he took up the piano and used that acquired skill  to contribute to church services as well as entertaining friends.

Jeffrey was a man for all seasons, and a fan for all seasons.  He was an ardent follower of Tiger Woods on the PGA circuit, and the Seahawks, Huskies and Vikings on the gridiron.

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A Facility Designed for Comfort and Reflection

The funeral home's facility is designed to provide a peaceful and comforting atmosphere, perfect for families to gather and pay their respects. The spacious chapel can accommodate large crowds, while the intimate visitation rooms offer a cozy setting for smaller gatherings. The beautifully landscaped grounds and serene outdoor spaces provide a tranquil environment for reflection and contemplation.

Personalized Funeral Services Tailored to Your Needs

At Cascade Funeral Home, every family is unique, and their needs are carefully considered when planning a funeral or memorial service. Their experienced staff takes the time to listen to your stories, understand your preferences, and incorporate personal touches into the ceremony. From customized caskets and urns to special music selections and photo displays, every detail is carefully attended to ensure that the service truly reflects the life being celebrated.

Cremation Services with Dignity and Respect

Cascade Funeral Home offers a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and traditional funeral services followed by cremation. Their state-of-the-art crematory ensures that every family can trust that their loved one will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.

Supporting You Through the Grieving Process

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, but Cascade Funeral Home is committed to supporting you every step of the way. Their staff is trained to provide emotional support and guidance, helping you navigate the complex process of planning a funeral or memorial service. They also offer resources and referrals for grief counseling and support groups to help you cope with your loss.

Pre-Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones

While it may seem difficult to think about, pre-planning your funeral or memorial service can be a thoughtful gesture to your loved ones. By making your wishes known in advance, you can spare them from having to make difficult decisions during an already emotional time. Cascade Funeral Home's experienced staff can guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you create a personalized plan that reflects your unique preferences and budget.

A Commitment to Community Involvement

Cascade Funeral Home is deeply rooted in the Cle Elum community and is committed to giving back through various charitable initiatives and sponsorships. They believe that building strong relationships with local organizations and businesses is essential in creating a supportive network for families in need. By partnering with local hospices, charities, and community groups, Cascade Funeral Home demonstrates its dedication to improving the lives of those around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It's usually published in a newspaper, online, or in a funeral home's website to inform friends, family, and community of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing important information to those who need to know about the funeral or memorial service. They can also help to notify people who may not have been aware of the person's passing.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or mortuary may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to use.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about the funeral or memorial service, as well as any charitable donations or memorials in lieu of flowers.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or website where it will be published. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and websites allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the notice and make it more meaningful to those who read it.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

You can usually submit an obituary to a newspaper by emailing or faxing it to their obituary department. Be sure to check with the newspaper for their specific submission guidelines and deadlines.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, there are many online platforms and websites that allow you to publish an obituary. These may include funeral home websites, online obituary platforms, and social media sites.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or website. Some newspapers and websites offer free or low-cost options, while others may charge a fee based on the length of the obituary or the number of photos included.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's possible to make corrections or edits to an obituary after it's been published. However, this may depend on the publication or website's policies and deadlines.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary can vary depending on the publication or website. Some may publish immediately, while others may have a delay of several days or even weeks.

Can I include humor or personality in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary is a great opportunity to showcase the person's personality, sense of humor, and unique qualities that made them special.

Should I include a quote or poem in an obituary?

If a quote or poem was meaningful to the person who passed away, it can be a beautiful addition to their obituary. Just be sure to keep it concise and relevant to their life and personality.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary before they pass away. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that their life is celebrated in the way they want.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search for old obituaries through online archives, genealogy websites, or local libraries. You may also be able to find them in physical archives at newspapers or funeral homes.

Can I use an obituary as a eulogy?

An obituary can serve as a starting point for a eulogy, but it's generally recommended to expand on the information and add more personal anecdotes and stories.

What's the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of someone's passing, while an obituary provides more detailed information about their life and legacy.

Can I include condolences in an obituary?

No, condolences are usually expressed separately from the obituary itself. However, some online platforms may allow readers to leave condolences or messages in response to the obituary.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an obituary?

If you notice an error or inaccuracy in an obituary, contact the publication or website immediately so they can correct it as soon as possible.

Can I reprint an obituary from another source?

You may need permission from the original publisher or copyright holder to reprint an obituary from another source. Be sure to check their policies before doing so.

What's the purpose of including survivors in an obituary?

Including survivors in an obituary helps notify them of the person's passing and allows others to reach out and offer condolences. It also serves as a way to acknowledge their relationship with the deceased.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, this is a common practice. By including this information in the obituary, you can encourage donations to a charity that was meaningful to the person who passed away.

How do I write an obituary for someone who didn't have any immediate family?

In this case, you might focus on their friends, colleagues, or community involvement. You could also highlight their achievements, hobbies, or passions.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

You can ask a friend or family member for help, or seek assistance from a funeral home or professional writer. They can guide you through the process and help you create a fitting tribute to your loved one.

Can I update an existing obituary with new information?

This may depend on the publication or website's policies. If possible, you can update the original obituary with new information such as additional survivors or corrected details.