Ellington

Lorraine P. Medrano

August 12, 1928 – August 4, 2026

Lorraine P. Medrano was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Portland, Oregon, to Waverly and Helen Hedspeth. She entered the presence of her Savior on Aug. 4, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family, just eight days before her 98th birthday. Her love for animals began at a young age when her family moved from Oregon to Wapato to farm. She attended Wapato High School, graduating in 1946. On Aug. 26, 1950, she married the love of her life, Ralph B. Medrano, in Toppenish. Shortly afterward, they moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where they built their home and family on a foundation of love, hard work and faith.

Building permits: Aug. 14, 2026

City of Moses Lake

Edna Watkins

March 3, 1920 – Aug. 11, 2026

Edna Watkins, 106 years old, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2026. Edna was born on the family homestead south of Warden on March 3, 1920, followed by a twin sister, Irene, later that day. Her parents were Fred and Lena Radach whose family immigrated from Volga River Valley, Russia to the United States in the early 1900s. Edna's grandparents were one of the founding families of the Warden Community Church.

Grant County Jail Roster for Aug. 17, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on Aug. 15 through 17 as of Monday afternoon. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. Aug. 15 Krystal Lynn Esparza, 46, booked by Moses Lake Police Dept. for second-degree theft. Racheal Louise Taylor, 41, booked by Grant County Sheriff's Office for four counts of possession, delivery or manufacturing Schedule I or II narcotics or Flunitrazepam.

Robert Christensen

December 23, 1935 – August 12, 2026

Robert Reed “Bob” Christensen, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Aug. 12, 2026. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, pilot, and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bob was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Ellensburg, Washington, the youngest of five children of LeRoy and Lucy Faye Wilson Christensen. During the Great Depression, his family moved to Kittitas, Washington, where Bob grew up and graduated from Kittitas High School. After attending one semester at Brigham Young University, Bob returned home to begin farming. He married his sweetheart, Joanne “Jo” McMahan, on Nov. 12, 1955. Together they shared more than 70 years of marriage.

Peggy Baker

March 12, 1934 – July 29, 2026

Peggy Joan Baker, 92, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Peggy was born on March 12, 1934, in Timber Lake, South Dakota, to Orvetta Urdaine (Backsen) Murray and Clair Arnold Murray. She had three siblings, Betty, Larry and Bob Murray, all of whom preceded her in death. Peggy dedicated many years of her career to People's National Bank before continuing her public service with the City of Moses Lake, Washington. She took great pride in her work and was especially known for treating everyone with fairness, kindness, and respect. Those who knew her admired her integrity and the genuine care she showed to everyone she encountered.

Building permits: Grant County

Grant County July 18-Aug. 7

Douglas Earl

October 17, 1947 – August 17, 2026

Douglas Ken Earl, 78, was born Oct. 17, 1947 in Provo, Utah to Owen Ken and LuDeen Roylance Earl. In 1953, when he was 5 years old, the family moved to Moses Lake to the George Roylance Dairy on Potato Hill Road. He had perfect attendance in school for six years. His seventh- through ninth-grade years were at Chief Moses Junior High, where he lettered in track, football and basketball and was the junior high student body president and Honor Society president.

Jeanette Marbourg

October 13, 1936 – August 18, 2026

On Aug. 18, longtime Ephrata resident Jeanette Marbourg, 89, peacefully passed away at her Garden Oasis residence. She was born on Oct. 13, 1936, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Dee and Leta Northcutt. When she was 6 months old, Mom, Dad, Jeanette and older sister Peggy moved to Central Oregon where she was raised for the next 17 years in Powell Butte, Oregon on the family farm. In April of 1954, the family moved to Quincy, Washington, where they continued farming in the Quincy Valley. Jeanette graduated from Quincy High School the following year, in 1955.

Grant County Jail Roster for Aug. 24, 2026

This list shows current inmates who were arrested by Grant County law enforcement agencies on Aug. 20-24 as of Monday afternoon. Grant County inmates are housed at the Grant County Jail. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Aug. 20 Jairo Alexander Carias Banegas, 31, booked by Ephrata Police Dept. for fourth-degree assault – domestic violence and third-degree malicious mischief – domestic violence. Aug. 21