Earl H. Elliot

Lifelong Ephrata resident Earl Elliot passed away unexpectedly in Ephrata on March 17, 2005, at the age of 76. He was born on February 6, 1929 and raised on a farm 6 miles from town on Sagebrush Flats Road. As a young man he became active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He participated in numerous varsity sports and other activities at Ephrata High School, graduating Valedictorian in 1946. Earl attended Washington State College (WSU), served in the ROTC, and graduated in 1950 with Distinction and as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Following college, he served in the Korean War where he was awarded a Bronze Star. After active duty, he remained involved in the Army Reserves until 1979, ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Having raised hay for himself for awhile, he eventually became a full-time hay hauler and truck driver. Retiring from hay hauling at the age of 70, he then continued to drive trucks for National Frozen Foods during pea and corn harvest up until the time of his death. Always, however, Earl placed family and faith before his career. He married Shirley Ann Roloff on June 21, 1964 in Chewelah, then continued to reside in Ephrata. Earl was very involved in the lives of his two children, Bob and Becky. He served as Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 42 for several years, and also coached Little League baseball and softball, having been instrumental in starting the girls' softball program in Ephrata. He and Shirley never missed a game, concert, ceremony, play or any activity that involved their children.

Earl served the Lord in many ways as a long-time member of the Ephrata United Methodist Church, including as lay leader, trustee, adult Sunday School teacher, and on short-term missions. We know he continues to serve the Lord even now. In addition to church activities, he was most recently involved with the Grant County Historical Society as Master of Ceremonies, with Kiwanis where he was past President and Lieutenant Governor, as a volunteer with the Ephrata Food Bank, and as a member of the Ephrata Senior Center and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Earl is survived in Ephrata by his devoted and loving wife of over 40 years, Shirley, son Bob Elliot and his wife Denise of Renton, daughter Becky Colglazier and her husband Shane of Gig Harbor, grandchildren Isaac and Abigail Elliot and Kristine and Roger Colglazier, brothers John Elliot and his wife Marilyn of Cheney and Harry Elliot of Riverton, Wyo., many nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends. He leaves behind a firm legacy of hard work, honesty, community service and Christian faith, and will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

All are invited to the interment on Good Friday, March 25, at 2pm at the Ephrata Cemetery, E St and 3rd Ave SW. Memorial services will follow at 3:30pm at the Ephrata United Methodist Church, 117 C St NW, to remember and celebrate Earl's life. If desired, memorials can be made in Earl's name to the Ephrata United Methodist Church.