Herbert Ekenbarger

Herbert Elwood Ekenbarger Jr. POST FALLS, ID - Herbert Elwood Ekenbarger, Jr., 73, of Spokane, Washington passed away September 2, 2012 at Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital, in the presence of his longtime girlfriend, Sherrie Franks, and his daughter, Kristina Miller. He was born December 19, 1938, in Yakima, Washington, the son of the late Audrey and Herbert Ekenbarger, Sr. He was one of six children, 5 boys and 1 girl. On July 23, 1960, he married Tina McEntire, and they had one son, James Elwood and two daughters, Teresa and Kristina. Their children often reminisce about their wonderful childhood experiences and the loving and caring parents that God gave them. There was never a need that was not fulfilled or a want that went unnoticed. The family neighborhood gatherings and vacations spent with their Uncle Benny and Aunt Sue, Uncle Lee and Aunt Sue, and their very special cousins, Sabrina, Vicky, Leanne, Gena and "little" Benny will never be forgotten. The love and respect of family, and all the lessons of life learned that made them the people they are today, for this and more they are truly thankful for their wonderful parents and all of their childhood memories. After 28 years of marriage Herb and Tina were divorced, but continued a caring and respectful relationship throughout the rest of his life. Herb was lucky enough to find an amazing woman, Sherrie Franks, with whom he shared the last 14 years of his life. Sherrie never left his side throughout all his recent health issues and has been a true blessing to Herb and his daughter. Herb attended YVCC and joined the Carpenters Union in 1962. He worked in the construction industry his entire life in Yakima and Spokane, Washington and was always eager to volunteer his services for volunteer construction for the elderly. He was especially known for the quality of his finish work in many well know establishments in Yakima and his talent for concrete finishing. Herb was forced to retire after a serious accident at work made it impossible for him to return to his love of carpentry. He spent his spare time, before and after retirement, bowling. He loved bowling and held a 200 average and received a United States Bowling Congress award ring for a 299 game. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sherrie Franks of Chattaroy, WA, his ex-wife, Tina Janssen of Yakima, WA, his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Todd Trepanier of Selah, WA, his daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Brian Miller; grandchildren, Tara and Tim Smith of Kennewick, WA, Dustin Miller of Wenatchee, WA, Trent and Sierra Trepanier of Ridgecrest, CA, Matthew Miller of Yakima, WA, and Parker Miller of Yakima, WA, brother and sister-in-law, Raymond Lee and Tommy Sue Ekenbarger of Gleed, WA, sister-in-law, Jimmy Sue Ekenbarger of Selah, WA, nephews, Ben Ekenbarger of Bonney Lake, WA, Randy Ryan, Rick Ryan of Yakima, WA, nieces, Sabrina and Gene Stroscher of Selah, WA, Gena Powell of Selah, WA, Vicky and Greg Day of Yakima, WA, Mary Leanne Ekenbarger Perry of Yakima, WA, Rhonda Ryan, Ronnie Ryan, as well as many great nieces and nephews. Herb was preceded in death by his infant son, James Elwood Ekenbarger, his mother, Audrey Hayes Ekenbarger, his father Herbert Elwood Ekenbarger, Sr., his sister, Nancy Painter, his brothers, Ben Ekenbarger, Gary Ekenbarger and Larry Ekenbarger. Herb was loved and admired by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him, including the friends he made at Lilac Bowling Lanes and the stores and coffee shops at the Downtown Mall of Spokane, WA. He will be truly missed by all who loved and cared for him, but especially missed by his daughter who would love nothing more than just one more dance with her Dad. A casual gathering and potluck to celebrate Herb's life will be held on Saturday, September 22 at 1:00 P.M. at Wixon Park in Selah, WA in the Covered Patio on the hill. An online tribute is available at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com, Please share any photos and/or memories of Herb, they would all be greatly appreciated by those that are grieving this loss.