Ryle Stemple Jr.

1934 - 2025

Ryle C. Stemple Jr. passed away on November 1, 2025, in West Covina, California at the age of 91. Born on April 18, 1934, Ryle was the oldest child born to Ryle C. and Mabel Stemple in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was followed shortly by brother David and many years later by brother Peter. The young family left Klamath Falls and moved to Ashland, Oregon where Ryle graduated from Ashland High School in 1952. He was a three sport Letterman, football, basketball and baseball. Ryle graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman.

In his youth, he could be found hiking the hills above Ashland with his two brothers David and Peter. Together, they were the lawncare boys for the neighborhood.

During summers home from college, he worked on Weyerhauser fire crews.

In 1957, Ryle met Ida Hill a Navy RN working at the Bremerton Naval Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. Ryle and Ida were married in 1958 and moved to Corvallis, Oregon where they welcomed their daughter Susan. Ryle soon went to work in sales for a local irrigation company. Years later, with a partner, Ryle purchased Moore-Rane Manufacturing. The recession of the 1980's forced its closure and Ryle was presented with an opportunity to reopen and manage several lumber mills in the area. Ultimately becoming Vice President of WTD Industries and overseeing lumber mills throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Ryle and Ida divorced after 31 years of marriage. In 1992, Ryle reconnected with Cynthia (Pickell) Chambers, a high school classmate and they married later that year. Cynthia and Ryle enjoyed traveling and Jazz festivals. Jazz themed river cruises were a favorite. They also looked forward to spending time with former high school classmates. Their special place was Sunriver, where they entertained family and friends over the years.

Ryle was an active individual, running 2 miles nearly every day. He enjoyed snow skiing and snow camping in the winter and backpacking in the summer. A favorite memory is climbing Mt. Rainier and the Middle Sister with his brother Peter. Ryle was a private pilot and took pleasure in flying the family on local trips. He was also a mentor. Ryle shared his business acumen with his daughter who worked for him every summer, taking her to Ecuador to visit customers. He led by example, hardworking, ethical, fair, encouraging, honest, respectful and generous.

Survivors include his wife Cynthia Stemple, his first wife Ida Stemple, brother Peter (Billie) Stemple, daughter Susan Perry and grandson Michael Perry. Cynthia's daughter Julie (Paul) Leone, son Kevin (Linda) Chambers and son Gordon Chambers. Nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Ryle was preceded in death by his parents, Ryle and Mabel Stemple and brother David Stemple. He was a direct descendent of early settlers in Ashland who arrived via the Applegate Trail in 1852.

No service will be held.