Franklin Eugen Schnebly

1920 - 2011

Franklin Eugene Schnebly, 90, passed away January 31, 2011. He was born November 23, 1920, in Ellensburg to Frank Brewster and Elsie Hodgson Schnebly, and was a descendant of four pioneer families in the valley. He was active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H club work.

At 16 he helped organize the first beef4-H club in the valley and served as its leader until leaving for college. He attended Washington State University for two years where he was affiliated with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and where he met his wife Willabelle (Billie) Harris of Mima, Washington. They were married October 31, 1941, and made their home on a ranch in the Fairview area where he partnered with his father raising cattle, hay, corn and grain.

Franklin was very active in the Fairview Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen's Association at both county and state levels. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge. In 1963 he and his father sold all the cattle and land, except for Franklin's home place; he then worked for the Ellensburg Fire Department for a few years. He purchased a motor home and he and his wife traveled over much of the U.S., Mexico and Canada. They also enjoyed many local outings with the Robber's Roost Good Sam Club.

In April 2010 Franklin lost his life companion and wife of 69 years, Willabelle. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Shaw of Pelham, AL; son Larry (Sue) Scbnebly of Corvallis OR; grandchildren Elizabeth (Lloyd) Hayward of Scottsdale, AZ and David Schnebly of San Luis Obispo, CA; great grandchildren James Schnebly of Turloc, CA, and Grace, Bella and Michael Hayward of Scottsdale, AZ.

A celebration of Franklin's life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Kittitas County 4-H Endowment Trust Fund or Hospice.

Arrangements by Affordable Funeral Care.