Steven D. Rogers

Steven Dale Rogers, 77, longtime South Cle Elum resident, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Yakima Memorial Hospital. He will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony at Laurel Hill Memorial Park.

Steve was born on May 3, 1949 in Olympia, Washington to Dale and Patricia (Medbury) Rogers. His father was in the military, so the family moved frequently and Steve attended school in Africa, Seattle, England, Virginia and graduating from high school in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Steve joined the United States Navy in September of 1967 and was assigned to be a Cryptographic Machine Operator. He served our country for four years, with two of those years overseas in Kamiseya, Japan and on Midway Island, before his honorable discharge in March of 1971. He then went on to attend Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado where he earned his bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology.

In 1978, Steve was hired by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Fish and Wildlife Officer. In 1985, he transferred to Cle Elum where he spent 26 years of his career, known to many simply as “The Game Warden”. He loved his job and was devoted to the place he called home and put down roots. Steve retired in 2011 after 33 years of dedicated service to his community. He enjoyed his retirement spending time with family, friends and fishing, followed by camping, jeep rides and hunting. He also managed to write two books about his life as a Game Warden.

In 1994, Steve married Cindy Willette, the love of his life. Through their marriage, he became a treasured member of the Willette family. Steve was the most loving husband a wife could ask for, a wonderful uncle and brother-in-law, and a devoted son-in-law to Donna Willette, whom he affectionately considered his other mom.

In April, Steve was baptized by his friend, Pastor Worth Wilson, a moment that held special meaning for him. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was never shy about sharing the hope he found in Jesus with those around him. Steve passed into the presence of his Savior after a seven-year battle with cancer, the struggles of illness are now behind him, and he is at peace.

Steve is survived by his wife, Cindy Rogers; his brother, Bill (Vered) Rogers; in-laws Wes and Kim Willette and Rocky and Lou Willette; nieces and nephews Nicole and Joe, Jennifer and Dustin, Annika and Logan, Chris and Shelby, Zach and Shurayla, Roi, Matan, and Divir; as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews, Mandi, Austin, Finn, Aida, Grayson, Leah, and Eleanor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com