Benjamin Cook Moore

Benjamin Cook Moore passed away peacefully at Sun Terrace in Prosser, WA at the age of 102.

Ben was born in Lamont, WA to John and Emma Moore. He was the sixth of ten kids, spending most of his childhood helping with the family farm. The family later moved to Sunnyside, where Ben graduated from Sunnyside High School. He followed the family tradition and spent most of his life farming as well.

Ben served in the Navy from October 1941 to November 1945. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Chicago, Illinois; Pasco, WA; Whidbey Island, WA; and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. He was a flight engineer on PBYs. His plane provided cover during battles against the Japanese and transported Marines to their missions. For his service, Ben received three medals. After Ben left the Navy, he stayed active in his local VFW, serving in a variety of offices.

The Outlook Grange was an important part of Ben’s life. He was asked to join the Grange as a young adult. At one of their dances, Ben met Mary Louise Hunter, his future wife of 51 years. They remained active, attending meetings and special functions. In the more than eighty years of membership, he served in many positions, including Grange Master.

Ben was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church and stayed active in the Sunnyside congregation over the years. He helped with the building projects of this church, making it the fine building it is today.

Best known for his quiet demeanor, he will be remembered for his sparkling eyes as he chuckled at a good joke and his long walks in his striped overalls and cap. Family memories involve Ben in his combine with a kid in a diaper - whether it be his child, grandchild, or a niece or nephew - teaching the little one about farming. Ever the patient man, Ben was known to not get riled easily, even allowing one of his tables to be painted half red and half blue to keep the grandchildren from fighting. His great-grandchildren will remember Ben smiling as he shuffled over to give them a treat of cookies or whatever he could find in the cupboard.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; eight siblings Ernest, Mary, Josephine, Tom, Ruben, Herschel, Edith, and Harry; his infant sons Earl, Richard, and Roger; and his wife.

Ben is survived by his sister Beth Kight; his children Ben, Bruce, Marjory Ray, and Patty Arnold; his ten grandchildren; and his seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Sunnyside United Methodist Church or Heartlinks Hospice.

Viewing will be Thursday, July 7th from 8:30am to 10:30am at Smith Funeral Home Chapel Sunnyside, WA. with graveside services at 11am at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens Sunnyside, WA. A fellowship reception at the Sunnyside United Methodist Church will follow. Those wishing to sign Benjamin’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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