Roger Neil Ellestad

Roger Neil Ellestad was born September 16, 1957 in Moses Lake, Wash. to Vern and Evelyn Ellestad. His childhood was spent playing and working with his brothers Larry and Tom and sister Alice, along with a large extended family. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1975. Roger worked at the family business (Vern's Moses Lake Meats) during his teen years and became a Journeyman meat cutter. He also proudly served in the National Guard. He studied electronics at Wenatchee Valley College and put his training to use at Tree Top in Wenatchee. He remembered his work and friends in Wenatchee with much happiness. He worked at Vern's Meats until his health failed the last two years. He suffered a massive stroke in 2013 and was recovering and rebuilding his life in Spokane. Although seriously disabled, two months ago he moved into an apartment and was planning a happy life in what he called his "new normal." He died of natural causes in his home on Saturday, May 10, 2014 in Spokane, Wash. He was a beloved member of his family and the communities he was part of and will be deeply missed. Roger trusted the love of God and was at peace in his life.

Roger was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Dancing, playing bridge and pinochle were favorite pastimes. He dearly loved his pets and planned to get another dog very soon. Roger helped establish the Moses Lake chapter of "The Good Grief Club", a support group for survivors of suicide. He enjoyed his friends at the Moses Lake Senior Center and looked forward to playing cards with them.

Roger is survived by his daughter Samantha and husband Warren Weldon and granddaughters Hayden and Kylie; his mother Evelyn Ellestad, brothers and sisters-in-law Larry and Sue Ellestad, Tom and Marla Ellestad and sister Alice Fritz; aunts and uncles Gordon and Marjorie Ellestad, Charlie and Livona Mahaney, Olen and Vivian Jamison, Barbara Carlson, Iris Carlson and Arvilla Carlson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends Janielle Edmonson, Larry Harmon and Jack and Maxine Edmonson.

Roger was preceded in death by his daughter Nicole Edmonson, father Vern Ellestad, nephew Arnie Fritz and cousins Linda, Arron and Mallory Moore and Neil Ellestad.

If desired, memorial contributions may be sent to: The Good Grief Group, P.O. Box 4564, Wenatchee, WA 98807 or Moses Lake Alano Club, 724 W. 3rd Ave., Moses Lake, WA 98837

Please share your memories of Roger and sign his online guest register at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Roger's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2014 in Living Word Lutheran Church, 2609 W. Broadway, Moses Lake, WA

Arrangements in care of Carver Family Funeral Home.