Steven Edward Monesmith

Steven "Steve" E. Monesmith, 62, a resident of Rock Island for over 55 years, passed away at his home on Monday morning, August 15, 2011 following his battle with cancer. He was born on May 13, 1949 at Seattle, Washington to Albert F. and Elaine T. (Hocking) Monesmith. He moved with his family as an infant to Rock Island and attended Rock Island Elementary School, Sterling Junior High and Eastmont High School. He served in the U.S. Army in the engineering department during Vietnam in the area known as the Iron Triangle, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroism in combat. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his education at South Seattle Community College before returning to make his home in Rock Island. He worked at a variety of jobs in the Wenatchee Valley and studied Refrigeration at Wenatchee Valley College, prior to going to work for Stemilt Growers. He worked for Stemilt Growers as a Fork Lift Operator before working in the Battery Maintenance Division. He was married to Lana A. Griffith on March 29, 2004 at Boulder City, Nevada. They have continued to make their home together in Rock Island. Steve was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was lifelong avid fisherman and was well known for his loving patience, words of wisdom, the big smile on his face and always being the life of the party. He was a caring and devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Lana A. Monesmith, Rock Island; his daughter and son-in-law, Heidi & Thomas "Tom" Percy, Arlington, WA; one son, Jeremy Monesmith, Rock Island; his mother, Elaine Monesmith, Rock Island; two sisters and one brother-in-law, April Fox, East Wenatchee and Cynthia & Ron Moser, Rock Island; one brother, Larry Monesmith, Rock Island; six grandchildren, Damon "Chico" Griffith, Rock Island, Amber Blackmore and Megan Percy both of Arlington, WA, Lauren Percy, Edmonds, WA, Darrian Percy, Seattle and Jessica Kupczak, Lake Stevens, WA. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert "Al" Monesmith on September 10, 2001. A Niche Wall Inurnment service with Military Honors will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park on Saturday, August 20th at 1:00 p.m. A gathering to remember and honor Steve will be held on Saturday, September 3rd in Rock Island. For more information please visit his tribute online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Steven Edward Monesmith

May 13, 1949 - August 15, 2011