George Rashford

George B. Rashford George Benjamin Rashford, 88, of Zillah, WA died March 2nd 2014. “Bennie” Rashford was the son of James and Leta Rashford and loving husband of Ruth (Cochran) Rashford. Bennie passed away on March 2nd, 2014 at his home in Zillah, WA. He is survived by his wife Ruth, one daughter Ginger Radke (Bob) of Zillah. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren Sara Thompson (Shad) and three great grandchildren of West Richland, WA. and Aaron Shuck of Avondale, AZ. Bennie was born in Sterling, Colorado on March 10,1925. When he was 8 years old his family moved to Kittitas where he attended school. In 1942 the family moved to Zillah. Bennie started farming and he farmed in the Zillah area for more than 72 years, retiring in 2013 due to health reasons. Ben was a grape grower for Welch for over 60 years. In the early years of farming when things were slow he supplemented his farm income by taking a job with his long time friend Herb Lobdale working at building the Priest Rapids dam. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his horses and the many back-country hunting trips he had with his friends. Ben was a member of the Toppenish Sheriff’s posse horse team and met his future wife Ruth Cochran, who was a member of the Toppenish women’s Sheriff auxiliary. They were married in 1951. Ben held office and was a member of the Buena Grange for more than 65 years. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus; he belonged to the Toppenish Rifle Assoc. for many years. Bennie was self taught in many skills which included well drilling. He drilled three wells for himself and two for neighbors. He was able to repair or build about anything and was called on by friends and neighbors many times for his help. He always took the time to help anyone who asked. He was very inventive and if he had a roll of electrical tape and a little of this and that he could build almost anything he set his mind to. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be at Valley Hills Funeral Home on Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 12 PM to 5 PM with Recitation of the Rosary at 5 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday March 10th, 2014 at 10:00am at Zillah Catholic Resurrection church with burial following at the Zillah Cemetery. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online tributes can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Rashford, please visit our flower store.