Stephanie Jan Sherwood

Stephanie Jan Sherwood, 75, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at home in Ephrata, Wash.

The oldest of three children, Stephanie was born in Ephrata to Charles and Janice Sherwood on Jan. 30, 1948. Her entrance into the world was overdue which interrupted her doctor’s card game.

Growing up and throughout her college years, she was an honor student — excelling in English, piano and singing. To say the least, she was an avid book reader, often known to read into the night, finishing novels in one sitting … just to pick up another!

In 1969, Stephanie married Jon Rappuhn and raised their two children in East Wenatchee, Wash., until divorcing in 1996.

Early in her employment career, she accepted a position at the Columbia Basin Bureau of Reclamation in Ephrata. A short time later, she was offered a job opportunity with the Social Security Administration in Wenatchee, Wash., where she worked for over 30 years before retiring. After her retirement from Social Security, she spent a number of years working for Calbom & Schwab Law Group in Moses Lake, Wash., continuing to do work relating to the Social Security side. Stephanie continued in this profession with Lemargie & Whitaker in Ephrata and then returned to Calbom & Schwab where she finally and fully retired to pursue her extra-curricular activities which were so important to her.

It was at that time she could fully devote her hours of volunteering with various service organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary, Grant County Museum and Grant County Historical Society — ensuring authenticity of museum displays; Columbia Basin Carriage Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Eastern Star. Stephanie also loved working on preserving family history; and spent countless hours researching Genealogy for others — she just loved it!

As her children’s biggest fan, Stephanie spent many years heavily involved as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader. She continued to assist kids in Scouting long after her own kids were grown, being a scoutmaster to a group of one — taking her to scout camp, and an overnight trip to Seattle where they stayed on the hard floor at Pacific Science Center — she was always giving. Stephanie was also involved with Rainbow and sewed several dresses — not only for her daughter but for other girls without opportunity.

When not volunteering for her children’s activities or at one of their sporting events, she was a volunteer for many years in area activities including Ridge to River and the Apple Blossom Parade. Exploring any backroads, fishing, camping and traveling were some of her favorite pastimes. She was very close to Uncle Bill Robinson and they did so many events together — traveled to parades with the car club, and spent many family gatherings discussing the “state of the nation” with him. They both had a love of history and family.

Her caring nature was especially visible in the years she helped care for her family including Brother Bill, Uncle Bill (plus his friend, Eunice), and her dad Chuck.

Stephanie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, she loved any and every opportunity to spend time with them. She was always ready with a craft project and loved attending their various activities and holidays.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Janice Sherwood; and her brother, Bill ‘Willie’ Sherwood.

Stephanie is survived by her sister, Linda Sherwood of Ephrata; her daughter, Suzanne (husband, Aaron Jones), of Wenatchee, Wash; and her son, Chuck (wife, Lana Rappuhn), of East Wenatchee, Wash.; her treasured grandchildren Taylor, Emily, Madison and Ethan; and great-grandchild, Mila.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 28, 276 Eighth Ave. NW in Ephrata, Wash.

Memoriams in her name may be sent to Grant County Museum, 742 Basin St. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823; American Legion Auxiliary or the Veterans, PO Box 904, Ephrata, WA 98823.