Stephen Paul Ferrill II
Steve passed away peacefully from pneumonia at Wenatchee Valley Hospital with his beloved wife, children and brother by his side. He was 57 years old.
September 9, 1964 – February 13, 2022
Steve passed away peacefully from pneumonia at Wenatchee Valley Hospital with his beloved wife, children and brother by his side. He was 57 years old. He fought a long hard battle with several illnesses and ailments.
Steve was born in Edmonds, Washington to Stephen and Colleen (Punkie) Ferrill and grew up in Duvall, Washington. He studied acting at Goodman Conservatory at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and education at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.
Steve married Tricia Miller in December of 1990 and the couple had two children, Ryleigh and Zachary, before parting in 1997. Over the years, Steve worked in different jobs including the family business, Ferrill’s Auto Parts/Pull-A-Part. In 2000 he converted a 1901 Moses Lake church, co-founding Chapel Theater, which offered community performances by night and housed a dance studio by day. Steve referred to the endeavor as “professional theater with community talent.” It was here that Steve met who was to be the love of his life, Tina Torgerson, whom he married June 4, 2005. They were everything to each other and loved just being together. He loved theater, travel, renaissance faires, loud music, and being with friends when he was able. Steve was an avid football fan; he loved the Seahawks and the Cougars. Steve would often be seen on football Sundays in his Seahawks jersey.
His mother called Steve her sunshine, very fitting, for his warm personality, engaging smile, and twinkling blue eyes could light up rooms. “Larger than life” doesn’t capture the whirlwind force of energy and charisma of the man whose lifelong motto was “Living the Dream.” He was a presence on stage, bringing roles to life with passion and intensity few actors ever achieve, compelling and entrancing audiences into feeling for and with his characters. Steve worked in a variety of jobs revolving around the theater. Stage building and directing was a creative outlet that he excelled at. Theater was his passion and he often said, “Actors rehearse, cheerleaders practice.” Steve’s favorite paying job was as Duck Captain Joaquin de Planque for Ride the Ducks of Seattle where he showed Seattle tourists a rollicking good time utilizing all of these skills. He was hardworking, cheerful, and creative with a sense of humor that never stopped. At his core, Steve was a loving generous spirit.
Steve was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents, stepfather Ray Vandelac and stepbrother James Miller. He is survived by his wife of 16 years Tina, mother Punkie Vandelac, father Steve (Donna) Ferrill, daughter Ryleigh Ferrill, son Zachary (Taylor) Ferrill and granddaughters Hattie Bee and Poppie Rae, brother Brian (Jennifer) Ferrill, half-sister Mindy (Steve) Lennon, half-brother Kevin (Kathy) Vandelac and stepbrother Vaughn (Nicole) Vandelac, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A gathering for family and friends celebrating Steve’s life will be held Sept. 18, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the home of Colin and Maureen MacKenzie, 502 Riverside Drive Orondo, Washington.
Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.