Darrell Ettles

Darrell Ettles, 70, a long-time Royal City resident, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 11, 2006.

Darrell was born Aug. 30, 1935 in Ellensburg to Wallace (W.R.) and Edith Ettles. Darrell was the youngest of 15 children. He grew up in the Kittitas Valley where he worked hard with his father doing custom work, until he learned to drive truck. For years, Darrell drove hay truck, did long-hauls up and down the West Coast, until finally settling in Royal City in 1972.

Darrell worked for Sun Royal Company for many years. He spent many hours working on the fertilizer spreader, with his wife Betty driving the nurse truck, to finally hauling in chemicals to the plant. He later worked for Mianecki Farms and retired working at B&G Farms.

Darrell was a hard worker, but he loved to have a good time, too. He always had a joke to tell, and always laughed hardily. If there was a dance or a party, you could usually find Darrell making the most of the chance to dance.

Since his retirement, much of his time was spent with two of his granddaughter and they were truly the apples of his eyes. He would happily regale anybody who would listen to stories of their latest accomplishments, little or small. He said once as a younger man he never understood older people who were rushing here or there to "be with the grandkids," but once he was "Papa" he knew what they were talking about.

He was a good man, and he will be sorely missed by all that have known him.

Darrell is survived by three daughters, Susie Littlewood, Kelly Koch and Connie Simmons; four sons, Darwin Page, Dan Page, Delbert Crook, Terry Crook; three brothers, Harold, Lee and Gene in addition to his sisters Opal, Phyllis, Betty and Wanda. He also left 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his mother and father and seven siblings.

Services will be Monday, April 17, 2006, at 1 p.m. at Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata with internment at Royal Memorial Gardens.