Richard Charles Cheney Jr.

Richard C. “Rich” Cheney, Jr., 80, passed away October 15, 2025, at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington surrounded by loving family. He was known for his love, compassion, strength, values, and laughter. He was loved by all and made everyone’s life better.

Rich was born August 9th, 1945, in Yakima, Washington, the son of Richard Charles “Dick” Cheney Sr. and Martha Marie Cheney (Queer). He attended Wapato School District, leaving to work with his dad in the orchards near his hometown of Donald, Washington. Growing up, he fished, rode horses, roamed the foothills with family and friends, and made joyous memories that lasted all his life. At 18, he joined the U.S. Army and served bravely in the artillery during the Vietnam War.

After the War, he returned home, where he rejoined his dad at work, and worked as a butcher and in farming. Later, he moved to Caldwell, Idaho, where he worked for Canyon County and then trained to become a truck driver. He enjoyed a career of over 25 years as a truck driver, visiting 47 states and driving locally throughout the Northwest. He received many awards, such as “Driver of the Year,” thanks to his safe driving and extraordinary work ethic.

He loved watching the Mariners, reading crime fiction and westerns, and learning about Native Americans. He loved the deserts of the Southwest. And he always looked forward to joining loved ones at Powerhouse Grill. He was fascinated with space, and said a path not taken was pursuing a research career with NASA. He loved western music, listening to fiddle music with his brother and sisters, and playing the guitar and singing (he was blessed with a beautiful voice). And he could laugh until he cried.

As an avid reader, he was at the Yakima Library a lot, and it was there that he met his beloved wife, Bettyann, and a beautiful new story was born. They enjoyed 17 years happily married. He often said how blessed he felt by her, and her family.

His heart was as big as the world—for family and friends, for those in need, and for animals. He felt compassion for all, and he always wanted what was right and good for everyone. He deeply loved his family, and made sure they knew that. Everyone comments on his generous heart, and that he always had a kind word to say, a hug to give, and never let anyone leave the house without saying “I love you.” The world is a better, more loving place, because of him. He was, and always will be, deeply loved and cherished.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 17 years, Bettyann Clark-Cheney of Yakima, WA; and many loving family members, including sister Edna Perez of Mount Vernon, WA; daughter Mary Cheney-Froula (Rod) of Richland, WA; son Mike King (Ramona) of Mount Vernon, WA; son Donovan Cheney (Rebecca) of Brooklyn, NY; son Richard Cheney III; son Donald Clark (Elsa); daughter Dina Williams (Jim); daughter Delinda Sowder (Jason); daughter Deeauna Schut (Shawn). And he is survived by grandchildren Preston Froula of Yakima, WA; Spencer Froula (Allison) of Yakima, WA; Jared Clark (Dani); Evan Clark; Brynn Ryan (Ryder); Brett Williams (Kylie); Brock Williams; Kasey Foye (Madison); Logan Lorton (Brady); Avery Thomas (Zack); Ryland Schut; Emerson Schut. And he is survived by great-grandchildren Lane Froula; Ronan Ryan; Aurora Ryan; and Nash Williams. He is also survived by loving nephews who were like brothers to him, David Simmons (Doris) of Union Gap, WA; Rocky Simmons (Laura) of Sunnyside, WA; and Wesley Simmons of Kingman, AZ. He is also survived by a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, and many others.

He was preceded in death by his son, Baby Boy Cheney; his parents, Richard “Dick” and Martha Cheney; his previous wife Heidi Cheney (Szczebak); and his brother James “Jim” Cheney. His sister Sharon Cheney joined him October 16, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Grandview Salvation Army or Disabled American Veterans.