Ronald Gene Stephenson

Ronald G. Stephenson, 76, a resident of Wenatchee and Cashmere since 1974, has lost his battle with cancer and has gone to be with his Heavenly Father on August 18, 2015. On October 12, 1938, Ron was born to the late Robert E. and Eule "Reba" (DeBerger) Stephenson at Baxter Springs, Kansas. Here he was raised with his brother and sister. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School and then continued on to Pepperdine to study Theology. It was during one of his sermons that he met Joan Robinson. They were married and together raised two sons, Lee and Jon. The family lived their early years in Southern California. Ron continued to pastor part-time and work full time for the AB Dick Company, first in sales and later as the Sales Manager in Los Angeles. In 1972 Ron was given a promotion as the Regional Manager for Washington and Alaska, and the family moved to Seattle. A year later Ron was introduced to Bill Bumps, the owner of the Craftsman, and Bill encouraged Ron to move to Wenatchee and purchase the Craftsman from him. Ron ran the Craftsman from 1974-1978 selling the business to purchase the Western Auto and McDonalds Furniture in Cashmere. Then Ron entered the world of real estate and in 1999 he began a new focus becoming one of the recognized experts in commercial real estate and land development for the Wenatchee Valley. With his many years of experience he has been retained as an expert witness in several court cases, as well as served as a consultant for attorneys, developers, and financial institutions. In 2014 he was added to the Realtor Hall of Fame. He worked as an agent for Windermere and Premier One Properties, retiring in 2014 due to illness. Ron lived a purposeful life of service and leadership; he was a member and served as President of the Wenatchee Association of Realtors, Cashmere Rotary and Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Clubs. Saturday's were spent fishing with his friends, Al and John, and if they weren't in the boat they were at their table at the Buzz Inn enjoying a breakfast. Jon remembers going to breakfast with the three of them and he was the only one that was given a menu. Ron would always bring back half of his breakfast so that "Roxie" (his four legged love) could enjoy it while they sat on the porch together and looked up at Saddle Rock. Lee remembers many weekends and month long fishing trips they spent with the canoe during their youth. The last months of life were spent sitting under the shade of the oak tree with Roxie looking out at Saddlerock and visiting with his family and friends. Ron will be missed by his sons, Lee (Jayne) Stephenson, Cashmere, Jon (Sue)Stephenson, Camino Island; sister, Bobbie Stafford, OK; brother, Bruce Stephenson, TX; four grandchildren, Garth Stephenson, Cashmere, Shawn (Nikki) Cox, Wenatchee, Alyssa (Michael) Jenkins, AZ, Christina (Tim) Hall, Wenatchee and three great grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, Robert and Reba; grandson, Kyle Stephenson and granddaughter, Arya Hall. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 11:00 am at the Cashmere Grace Lutheran Church with interment following at the Cashmere Cemetery. Viewing will be on Monday, August 31, 2015 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Rd., East Wenatchee and from 9:30 - 10:30 Tuesday, at Grace Lutheran Church. You are invited to leave messages of condolences on his online guestbook at: www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Ronald Gene Stephenson

October 12, 1938 - August 18, 2015