Donald Stonemetz

Donald (Don) David Stonemetz, 80, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on April 26, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, to Donald W. and Corine (Doris) Stonemetz. Shortly after his birth, the Stonemetz family moved to Naches Heights, where Don attended school in the Highland School District. After high school, Don began working in farming and the fruit business, a path that would eventually shape much of his life. Later, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he worked for Boeing and later Weyerhauser. He married the love of his life, Renay, on November 22, 1968. They settled in Maple Valley and began raising their two sons, Paul and Christopher. A few years later, in 1973, they moved back to Yakima Valley to Granger, Washington, where Don's family had moved to. They purchased their first home and orchard and over the next several decades he expanded his farming operation. His hard work led to the eventual acquisition of 168 acres of orchards. Don tried an innovative new approach to farming and planted one of the first "V" trellis farms in the valley in the late 1990's, an advancement that revolutionized tree fruit planting and is still seen in orchards today. His original "V" trellis can still be found at his first ranch on the corner of N. Granger Road and Yakima Valley Highway. In 2010, Don sold all his orchards to Monson Fruit and then continued to work for the company, managing the orchards until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his life, Don was passionate about many hobbies, including sand drags with his Willy Jeep, drag racing in his '69 Camaro, and fishing throughout Washington State. However, his greatest love was for Potholes Reservoir and Mardon Resort. Don and Renay were so fond of the area that, in 1996, they bought an RV on a permanent lot at the resort, joining the "Back Row Bunch," an area where many families, including their own, created lasting memories over the years. Don was known for his larger-than-life personality, always greeting friends and family with a loud and cheerful, "What the hell you up to, bud?" and sending them off with a "Play' ur cool, bud." His big heart, infectious laughter, and willingness to help others made him unforgettable. Don always rode around in his signature "beat-up Ranchero," always with a cigarette hanging from his mouth and his hand waving out the window, followed by three horn honks that became a symbol of his joy for life. His sense of humor, generosity, and love for his family left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kay Corkrum, three brothers-in-law, Joe Young, Larry Killian and Larry Knuth and a sister-in-law, Margie Stonemetz. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Renay, and his sons Paul (Kamie) and Christopher (Angie). His brother, Gary (Elena) Stonemetz, and three sisters, Carol Knuth, Sandy Killian and Joanne Young. Grandsons, Ryan (Gina) Stonemetz, Shane (Torey) Stonemetz, Locker and Brandon Stonemetz and great-grandchildren, Noe Hinojosa, Lucie, Pippa and Colt Stonemetz as well as many other beloved family members and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Zillah Civic Center (119 1st Avenue) on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. There will be a light lunch at 12:00 and the celebration will begin at 12:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Don's memory. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Stonemetz, please visit our flower store.