Jerry Sanford

Jerry Sanford, 79, of Thorp, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 from the chapel of Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Thorp Cemetery.

Jerry was born on August 19, 1942 in Seattle to Elmer & Vaudia (Cross) Sanford.  He grew up spending his school years in Seattle and summers in the Rosedale area.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959 and served on the USS Dixie before his honorable discharge in 1963. After his service in the Navy, Jerry returned home and attended trade school to become a welder. 

In the summer of 1969, Jerry met Kathleen Crocker while they were both riding the ferry to Southworth, hitting it off instantly. They married on November 28, 1969 and made their home in Seattle where Jerry worked his entire career for Ederer Crane Company before retiring in the early 2000’s. Jerry and Kathy moved to Thorp in 2006 and have made their home there since that time.

Following his retirement, Jerry spent lots of time with his grandchildren, something he very much enjoyed.  He built his grandsons an elaborate tree-fort and a playhouse for his granddaughters.  He also constructed a swimming pool out of a tarp in the back yard and many memories were made splashing around in the water.  He also enjoyed going on combined camping/fishing trips with his former co-workers from Ederer.

Jerry enjoyed woodworking and carved many beautiful walking sticks to give out as gifts to his friends.  Jerry loved the Bible and read it frequently. He and Kathy were also members of Christ Church in Ellensburg. He will be remembered as a great provider for his family and a dedicated family man. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy, at the family home in Thorp; son Grant (Krista) Sanford of Yakima, grandchildren Isaiah, Jacob, Felicity, Hannah and Quinn as well as his sister Joanne Eggers of Cusick and Jeanette Jones of Thorp.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diane DeFaccio.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor are suggested to the Thorp Mill, PO Box 7, Thorp WA 98946.  Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Jerry and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com