Ernest Stephenson

Ernest Stephenson, age 83, of Silverton, OR and former Sunnyside and Granger, WA resident passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016  at his granddaughter’s home in Salem, OR.  Ernie was born on June 17, 1932 in Sweet Water, Oklahoma the son of James and Bessie (Courtney) Stephenson, the ninth of seventeen children.  He received his education in Oklahoma, White Salmon and Sunnyside, Washington. Following high school Ernie attended college for two years in Pullman, WA.   Ernie serviced in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956.  On March 12, 1955 he married Bunny Hooker in San Antonio, Texas and she died on June 18, 1989.  Ernie was employed for many years at the U.S. Bank in Sunnyside and retired as the Bank Manager of the Granger US Bank. On March 21, 1991 he married Ruby Miler Stephenson in Sunnyside, WA. Ernie and Ruby continued to make Sunnyside their home until 2008 when they moved to Silverton, OR.  Ernie was a former member of the Sunnyside Seventh Day Adventist Church and was currently an active member of the Silverton OR Seventh Day Adventist Church.  He enjoyed music and played several instruments including the, guitar, piano and the Hawaiian Steel Guitar. He also loved working the out of doors.  While living in Granger, WA Ernie donated the land to develop the Dinosaur Park in Granger, WA.  

Ernie is survived by his wife, Ruby Stephenson of Silverton, OR.  Four step-children Jean Stephenson of Sunnyside, WA, Arly Frazee of McMinnville, OR, Arland Stephenson and Arlene Scruggs  all of Silverton, OR.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, one sister Louise Mulford of  Sunnyside, WA, four brothers Dwayne Stephenson, John Stephenson, Leo Stephenson all of White Salmon, WA and Kenneth Stephenson of Hood River, OR .  He is preceded in death by his parents,  first wife, Bunny Stephenson, six brothers and five sisters.

Burial at the Bickleton I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Bickleton, WA.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA with Military Honors.  Those wishing to sign Ernie’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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