Larry David Spurbeck

Larry David Spurbeck, 86, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away peacefully Oct. 5, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on May 14, 1939, in Wilbur, Wash., Larry was the first son of David and Elizabeth Spurbeck. He grew up in Coulee City, where he graduated from high school and excelled in both baseball and basketball, helping lead his team to the state tournament. He also played trombone in the school band and worked on his uncle’s ranch, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life.

After attending Eastern Washington University for a year, Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army’s First Division at Fort Hood during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His military service was a lifelong source of pride.

Larry met the love of his life, Ruth Peters, through his brother, Ted, and Ruth’s cousin, Marty. The two were married Sept. 13 and shared 56 wonderful years together, raising three sons, Doug, Mark and later Sean.

A man of few words but deep conviction, Larry was known for his quiet strength, steady presence, and enduring kindness. After being laid off from Boeing in 1971, he and Ruth moved to Moses Lake, where Larry worked rotating shifts at U & I Sugar before spending 23 years as a boiler operator at Hanford, commuting 75 miles each way with dedication and pride.

Larry loved the outdoors — fishing, hunting, camping — and shared those passions with his sons through Little League, 4-H and countless family adventures. He loved nice cars and motorcycles. He often took his brothers and later his sons to stock car and motorcycle races. The family made many memorable road trips to the Dakotas and Texas to visit loved ones.

In 1986, Larry and Ruth welcomed 10-year-old Sean into their family. Over the years, they opened their home to nearly 60 friends and relatives, offering shelter, love, and support to anyone in need. Together, they also owned The Color Wheel and Custom Frame Art Gallery and later created The Intimate Gardens, a beautiful venue for weddings and gatherings.

Larry found great joy in watching his grandchildren grow and cherished the close relationships he shared with his brothers and many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a premature child, and his son, Sean. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons Doug and Mark; brothers Ted, Vic, Don, Richard and Duane; and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

Larry’s life was defined by love, perseverance, service, and generosity. Though quiet by nature, his actions spoke louder than words. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Generations Church, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake, Wash., with a viewing and appetizers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a service from 1 to 3 p.m., concluding with military honors. Interment will follow at Community Cemetery, and a dinner will be held at 5 p.m. at Generations Church.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories.