Jack Wayne Eaton

1928 - 2021

Jack Wayne Eaton
Jack Wayne Eaton, 93, cattleman and patriarch of the Eaton family, passed away at his home on Monday, September 6, 2021 surrounded by family. Jack was born on August 10, 1928, the oldest child of Noah (Bill) and Hazel Eaton. Jack and his five siblings, Jean, Janette, Jim, Joyce, and Jerry were raised as farm kids in Plummer, Idaho. On September 7, 1946, he married Beneitta Schofield. As a newlywed, Jack attended the University of Idaho on a football scholarship but returned to Plummer and began farming and ranching with his parents.
In 1949, Jack and his father purchased property along the Yakima River Canyon, operating both properties until 1951 when they sold the land in Idaho and moved to the Kittitas Valley. Jack and Beneitta raised five children in the Kittitas Valley: John, Kenneth, Katherine, Robert, and Sherilyn. He partnered with each of his sons through the years raising cattle and tending the land. The Eaton family provided stock for the Ellensburg Rodeo for several years and at the peak of the ranch's operation, they ran over 1200 head of cattle in the Yakima River Canyon.
Jack and the Eaton family have been involved with the Kittitas County Cattlemen's Association for generations and he was recognized as the 2004 Cattleman of the Year with his son, Robert. Jack and Beneitta were also recognized in 2016 by the Ellensburg Rodeo to commemorate years of contributions to the rodeo and mark their 70th wedding anniversary. Jack had a multitude of close friends in the Kittitas and Yakima Valleys thanks to his strong sense of honor and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
Jack was not only an incredible cattleman, but also a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a man of faith. He instilled in his family the importance of integrity, work ethic, and a strong faith in God and each generation of the Eaton family has carried those values forward.
Jack is survived by his wife of 75 years, Beneitta; brother, Jerry; sister-in-law, June; sons: John, Kenneth (Linda), and Robert (Peggy); daughters: Katherine and Sherilyn; 12 grandchildren: Heather (Roy), James (Quinn), Nicole (Brent), Janelle (Daniel), Amber (Larry), Angela (Brett), Jordan (Carley), Kyle (Erin), Rachel, Alex, Derek, and Bethany; and 26 adoring great grandchildren. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim; sisters, Jean, Joyce, and Janette; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill, Denny, and Doris; and daughter-in-law Cristi. Days before his passing, he said he could see his family waiting on the shore and they have welcomed him with open arms in heaven.
Keith & Keith Funeral Home of Yakima, Washington has been entrusted with caring for Jack's family. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 10th, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Johnston and Williams Funeral Home 301 E. 3rd Ave, Ellensburg, WA. Those who know Jack are welcome to attend and pay respects. A service will be held at Mercer Creek Church on Saturday, September 11th at 10:00 am followed by burial at High Valley Cemetery, Robinson Canyon Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warm Beach Youth Camp in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
To share a memory about Jack, please visit www.keith&keith.com. Jack was a titan of a cattleman and a caring family man and loved by many. He will be greatly missed.