Robert Lee Senn

Robert Lee Senn, 81, of Ephrata died Friday from injuries sustained in a car accident. Born Oct. 23, 1923 in Brea, Calif., Robert graduated from Shafter, Calif., and married Dona Jane Neufeld in June 1944. He served as an Army Air Corp P-47 fighter pilot in Italy, France and Germany.

Returning home after the war, Robert operated a trucking business until 1952, at which time he and his young family purchased a farm near Shafter, Calif.

In 1967, the lure of a new beginning brought Robert, Dona and their family to the Columbia Basin, where his sons Randy and Steven continue to farm over 400 acres of alfalfa.

Foremost amongst his pleasures was the company of his wife, Dona. Their road trips together were sagas of many miles and stories that persisted long after the driving ended. He also loved the presence of his children and grandchildren and the joy of studying history, especially the travels of Lewis and Clark, and the events of World War II. Lest we forget, he also had a lifelong love affair with ice cream.

As his friends and family would attest to, Robert was a staunch Democrat, as well as a member of the Cascade Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in East Wenatchee.

For many years, Robert was a member of the Ephrata Athletic Club, where he took GREAT delight in beating much younger members at games of racquetball. Did I mention he was slightly competitive?

Robert is survived by his wife, Dona, and their sons: Christopher of Orcas Island; Randy and wife, Vera of Ephrata; and Steven and wife, Bea of Ephrata. Grandchildren include: Joe, Tom, Mary, Alexandria, Raberta and great-granddaughter, Liahna. Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Ruth Senn, in 1990.

A celebration of Robert's life (with food served, in his honor) will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at his son, Randy's house (1520 Rd. 5.5 N.W., Ephrata) on Wednesday.

In addition, a memorial service will be held at the Cascade Unitarian Fellowship in East Wenatchee. A date will be decided upon at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to either the Democratic Party or the American Cancer Society.

Darlene Shearer-Phillips

In loving memory July 17, 1959 to August 27, 2005.

We love and miss you more than words can say. Your memory lives on through your husband, Joe Phillips, mother, Nadine Shearer, your daughter, Dana Shearer, your son, Joe Phillips and seven siblings.

Happy Birthday in heaven.

Funeral services will be held at New Bride Missionary Baptist Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday.