Earl V. Elkington

Earl V. Elkington, 90, longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away on June 7, 2021 with his daughter, Sandy, by his side.  He was born on November 13, 1930 in Walla Walla, Washington, the third of four children born to James and Virginia Elkington.

Earl graduated from Umapine High School in 1948.  He was captain of the basketball team when they won the District championship and placed fourth in the State Tournament. After graduation, Earl worked delivering milk for Young’s Dairy in Walla Walla.  He ultimately bought his milk route and truck. 

In 1950 Earl married Barbara McCune.  Earl and Barbara purchased their first home in College Place, WA.  Their two children, Michael Charles and Sandra Lee, were born while the family lived in their College Place home.  In 1964 the family bought a ranch in the Thrall area of Kittitas County and began raising registered Angus cattle. In 1970 they purchased a 660-acre ranch in Badger Pocket.  In 1978, Earl and Mike Elkington were named Kittitas County Cattlemen of the Year.   Earl also worked as a real estate agent for 17 years with Heartland and then Kelley Real Estate.

In 1997 Earl and Barbara sold the ranch and returned to Milton-Freewater where Earl was active in Engle Chapel church and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.  Earl and Barbara enjoyed trips with their camper with their fellow members of Good Sam Club.  They especially enjoyed a trip to Alaska with good friends.  In 2009 their son Mike passed away and in 2010 they returned to Ellensburg for their remaining years.  Barbara passed away in 2013.

Earl was a member of the Cattlemen’s Association, FHA Board, American Angus Association, Western States Angus Association, Inland Empire Angus Association  and Yakima Valley Angus Association.  He served as President of the Kittitas County Cattlemen’s Association.

Earl was an optimist and enjoyed visiting with people.  He always greeted people by name and shared a good story.

Earl is survived by his sister Renna Waterman, daughter Sandy (Dick) Sundquist, grandchildren Jennifer Elkington, Seth (Sara) Elkington, Kellee (Ben) Schneider, great-grandchildren Charles Michael (Charlie) Elkington and Mallory Schneider, sister-in-law Elizabeth McCune and numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held later in Milton-Freewater.  Memorial contributions in Earl’s honor are suggested to the FISH Food Bank or a charity of your choice. 

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Earl’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com