Stu Juris

Stuart Craig “Stu” Juris, 93, of Cle Elum, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family and friends on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Stu was born on March 9, 1933 in Cle Elum, Washington to Andrew and Kathrine Juris. Stu lived his entire life in the Cle Elum area and became a beloved member of the community. He graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1954, and went to work for his father at Juris Motors, a Studebaker dealership and garage. While working in the family business Stu developed the strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that he would maintain for his entire life.

After working at the garage for a few years, Stu decided to attend Central Washington University to become a teacher and earned both a Bachelor’s of Arts and a Master’s Degree in Education. While at Central Stu met and married Gail (Fera) Juris, of Roslyn. The two of them taught together in the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District where Stu taught art at the high school and middle school. Together they built a family and shared many happy years before Gail’s passing in 1989.

Stu was a gifted artist and dedicated educator until his retirement in 1992 after 27 years. Through his patience, creativity, and encouragement Stu inspired generations of students to appreciate art and discover their own talents. An example of the work he and his students created can still be seen outside the Cle Elum-Roslyn High School in the form of the totem pole that has stood welcoming students and guests since shortly after the school was opened. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and remains in the memories of countless students, colleagues, and the community.

Later in life Stu found love again and married Kathy (Lund) Juris. Together they enjoyed traveling and making wonderful new memories with family and friends. They remained happily married for over 25 years.

Stu was preceded in death by his parents Andy and Kathrine (Davis) Juris, his first wife Gail Juris, his brother Richard (Dick) Juris, and his sister Ruth (Juris) Hartman. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Kathy Juris, his son Craig Juris (Angela), his step-daughters Debi Ritter (Bryan), Linnea Montgomery (Al), and Jana Mervos, his grandchildren William and Alleen Juris, Whitney Barrett (Tim), Alex Ritter, Hattie Hanson (Matthew), Gina Bettis (Brandyn), and Clayton, Aaron and Kathleen Snyder as well as many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Stu’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the students he inspired and the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, creativity, compassion, humility and generosity. He had a kind heart, gentle spirit and genuine concern for others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Stu’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow at the Cle Elum Senior Center.

The family is grateful for the many expressions of love, support, and memories shared during this difficult time.

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