03/20/1933
02/26/2011
SHIFLETT,
Earl Edward
Earl Edward Shiflett passed away February 26, 2011, following an evening with his daughters and grand-children at his side. He had battled cancer for several years.
Earl was born on March 20, 1933, in a tent on the banks of a river in Watsonville, California. His parents Earl L. and Mildred (Stringfield) Shiflett worked in the fields and orchards there during the depression. The family later returned to Washington State, where his father worked in the logging industry. Earl attended school in Malaga, Twisp, Okanagon and Dryden, before graduating in 1951 from Brewster High School. After graduation, he moved to Roseburg, Oregon where he logged in the woods for Douglas County Lumber. He returned to Brewster in 1955, where he sold cars for OK Chevrolet.
On April 20, 1957, he married Billie June Pool in Brewster. They moved to Republic in August 1958 where they raised their three daughters, Kathleen (1959), Jaki (1961) and Julie (1967). Earl started logging, eventually founding Shiflett Logging, Inc. His vast entrepreneurial experience included partnerships in Morris Chevrolet, S&S Petroleum, Hunters Washington Sawmill, Empire Machinery in Spokane, and R&S Ranch in Benton City. In addition, he was involved in many real estate investments with longtime logging friends Clint Brown, Louie Dragnich and Bill Bangs, who all referred to him as "Big E". While he was in Republic, he served on the Ferry County Fair Board and was very active with his two oldest daughters in Washington State High School Rodeo Association, where he served as president. As a father to three daughters who graduated from Republic High School, Earl offered financial support and his equipment and crews whenever possible for improvement projects and needs of the athletic teams at the school.
In 1985 Earl and Billie moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where they had established a restaurant, Murphy's Steakhouse. In 1987, having recently divorced, Earl moved to Tonasket Washington where he went to work for J&J Logging. On September 11, 1990, Earl married Vicki Riehart, retired and moved to Spokane.
Earl had a love of cars, hunting, fishing, going to casinos, and horse races, owning horses with Ted Stephens at Playfair race course in Spokane. Earl's constant love and hobby was country music. He played bass guitar in numerous bands with John Stabenfeldt, Sam Cassell, Mel Davis and Jeff Young. Earl believed there were only two kinds of music, "country" and "western" and passed his love of music on to his immediate family, including his three daughters who survive him; Kathleen (Mike) Reid, Jaki (Steve Slate) Upton, and Julie (Carey Learn) Shiflett. Also survived by his grandchildren; Cody (Amy) Reid, Jami (Chris) Dehmer, Cori Upton, Kelsi Upton; his great- grandsons: Cole Dehmer (22 months) and Cash Reid (awaiting arrival); his brother Ray (Maureen) Shiflett; the mother of his children Billie Krisher; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father Earl L. Shiflett, mother Mildred Shiflett Rodepouch, stepfather Lewis Rodepouch, sister Opal Morris and his wife Vicki Shiflett.
Memorial donations can be made to the non-profit cemetery preservation organization Chelan County Cemetery District #5, 2932 McDowney Road, Malaga, WA 98828.
Earl's Spokane friends will be hosting a potluck and karaoke remembrance for him on his birthday March 20th at 3 pm at the Spokane Valley Eagles, 16801 East Sprague Avenue.
After a private family burial at Stemilt Hill cemetery at noon on Saturday, March 26th, Earl's family will be hosting a Celebration of Earl's life at 2 pm at the Wenatchee Red Lion Hotel at 1225 North Wenatchee Avenue (509-663-0711). Food will be served and drinks will be available. Earl often quoted from W.C. Fields, "A man has to believe in something, I believe I will have another drink," so please come and join us in a toast to Earl's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Earl will be missed by many. He is remembered as a part of our family. We had many fun days growing up. I remember when they had the house behind anderson's and trying to ride bike's with Kathleen and Jaki. And all the song's that our dad's sang together and the meals that our mom's cooked up together with what we had at the time. The memeories of the logging outfit that Earl had in Republic and what an Icon he was. I remember when they moved out to the big house and got the new pool. Julie singing Johnny B Good in the basement and all the laughter and good times. Earl you will be missed by many. Kathleen, Jaki, Julie and Billie. My prayer's are with you. You will always be a part of the family. Love to you all. Vicky Davis Garrison
Vicky Garrison
March 11, 2011
Earl will be missed he was a big part of our family life growing up we always had a lot of fun with the family the parties the singing we all enjoyed together. My prayers are with everybody I love and miss you all .Sharon Davis Florida
sharon morris
March 11, 2011
God was holding his hands out welcoming him home. I haven't seen all of you in a long time, but when my Daddy (Sam Shiflett) told me that Earl went home to be with God, tears welled up and I was sad yet happy that we all are family and that we got to know him. Both Tony and I can remember camping and getting the mumps from Kathleen and Jacki one summer at Twin Lakes. May you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and God has another angel to guide and care for us all. We love you all. Bridget Shiflett Mathes
Bridget Mathes
March 10, 2011
Thinking of you.
Liz Bremner
March 10, 2011
I did not know Earl personally, but went to high school for a couple of years with his youngest daughter Julie. I always knew of Julies's love and admiration of her Daddy and of his love of family, and commitment to community. Earl's life story is truly one of 'a productive member of society' that I can only hope to lead, by example, for my own children. Julie, I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family during a very difficult time.
Traci Brewer-Rogstad
March 9, 2011
"I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength. The time we have spent with those we've lost makes them part of us."
DeLisa Davis
March 9, 2011
I have not personally met Earl but he has a friendship with my daughter. My daughter met him at her place of employment and told me what a wonderful person and friend Earl is. May God bless comfort and guide Earl and all of his loved ones.
Diann
March 5, 2011
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