Raymond Ekenbarger

Raymond Lee Ekenbarger of Yakima Washington passed away October 15, 2017 at the Cottage in the Meadow. Lee’s beloved wife of 60 years Tommie Sue was by his side until the end. Lee was born July 6, 1933 in Wilbert, Washington the son of the late Audrey and Herbert Ekenbarger, Sr. He was the eldest of six children, five boys and one girl. Our father met our mother on a blind date and six months later they were married. Two years later they would start their family. Dad’s love for our mother was immeasurable and he fought fiercely to stay with her. As daughters we have such wonderful memories of our childhood. The Ekenbarger family was close-knit and tight. Dad would work alongside his brothers Herb and Ben to build all their homes. Wonderful Christmas holidays were celebrated in the early years at Grandpa Herb and Grandma Mildred’s ranch. Family get togethers and vacations with: Uncle Herb and Aunt Tina, Aunt Sue and Uncle Benny, our cousins Teresa, Kristina, Gena and Ben Jr. were the best time of our lives! Cherished memories that we hold dear to our heart. Our father was a man of few words and when he spoke you had better listen. His distinctive stride and countenance were unmistakable! We loved to say our dad was The Rifleman. When Lee entered the room, there was no doubt, that a man of no bluster integrity was present. He didn’t have a lazy bone in his body and actually could work from sun up to sun down. The second chapter of Lee and Sue’s life would bring them a third child Mary Leanne and a small ranch in Lower Naches. If they weren’t growing hay to sell, they were raising cattle. His grandsons Travis and Jerad were always one step behind him. He taught them many things and in that way he will always be with them. His adoring granddaughter Makayla, could always be seen following her Papa stride for stride copying everything her grandpa did. He was proud that she had become a horse-woman because of him. Dad loved working alongside his father Herb bucking hay, hauling hay and or cattle. All while working eight hours or more a day at Boise Cascade. He would retire from Boise Cascade after thirty plus years of dedicated service. Although work didn’t stop for him after retirement, he wouldn’t have chosen anything different. Dad was never happier than when his family was together and good food was being prepared. The latter years were difficult for our father. After having an aneurysm removed from his stomach dad was left paralyzed from the waist down. Our mother by his side for over twelve years, lovingly took care of his every need. Raymond Lee Ekenbarger never complained or took pity on himself during this arduous journey the Lord put him through. He accepted it as all in a day’s work and more time with his wife. Our sister Vickie described it the best: He was our Rock! Our Rock. Like a Rock charging from the gate. Like a Rock carrying our weight. He was our Rock. Like a Rock, the sun upon his skin. Like a Rock, hard pressed against the wind. Like a Rock, He sees himself again. Like a Rock. Raymnond Lee was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Hayes Ekenbarger, his father Herbert Elwood Ekenbarger, Sr., his step-mother Mildred Ekenbarger; his sister, Nancy Painter; his brothers: Ben Ekenbarger, Herbie Ekenbarger Jr., Gary Ekenbarger and Larrry Ekenbarger; and lifelong best friend Earl Sprinkle. He is survived by his wife and soul mate Tommie Sue Ekenbarger; his daughter and son-in-law Sabrina and Gene Strocsher of Yakima, his daughter and son-in-law Vickie and Greg Day of Yakima, his daughter Mary Leanne Ekenbarger-Perry of Union Gap; grandchildren: Travis and Tonya Strocsher of Yakima, Jerad and Carrie Strocsher of Naches, Makayla Ekenbarger of Spokane, Sasha and Levi Fowler of AZ, Dalton Perry, Laura Perry-Holman; great grandchildren: Kierra Lee, Alexis Ann and Kaydence Ann Strocsher; nieces: Teresa and Todd Trepanier of Selah, Kristina and Brian Miller of Yakima, Gena Powell of Selah, Ben Ekenbarger Jr. of Selah, Linda and Ron Roberts of Colorado, Kevin Moriarity of Montana, Ryan Moriarity of Colorado, Rhonda Barnes of Terrace Heights, Ronnie Ryan, Ricky Ryan, Randy Ryan, as well as many great-nieces and nephews. A Celebration of His Life will be 2:00 pm Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Full Gospel Holiness Church (2120 S 3rd Ave., Union Gap) followed by a casual get together. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond Ekenbarger, please visit our flower store.