Harold N. Deatherage

Entiat, WA

Harold N. Deatherage, age 83, went home to Jesus on March 22, 2011. He was born July 22, 1927, to Lena Crotts and William Deatherage in Argosy, AR. He was the 11th of 12 children. Harold married Betty Plarinos on November 11, 1946, in Salem, AR. They moved to Entiat, WA on March 6, 1947, where he worked for Entiat Valley Orchards. In 1966, he and his wife bought a pear orchard, where he worked up until a few months prior to his death. Harold loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping with his kids and grandkids. These times were truly cherished, teasing his kids or grandkids and making them whistles out of tree sprouts. He loved growing a big garden and, from his labors, he would load his car almost every Sunday with fruits and vegetables to distribute to his family, friends, neighbors and church family. He also fed the wild turkeys that came around their home. He looked forward to playing cards and double nine dominos, was skilled at horseshoes and had won several games of washers at various church events. Going into the forest to cut wood for cozy fires during the winter months was always special, plus enjoying the splendor of God's beautiful landscape while having a picnic lunch. As he sat in his easy chair during the days and evenings, he found comfort relaxing with his little Boston Terrier. Harold deeply loved Jesus and faithfully attended several churches. In 1985, he and his wife began attending the Mountain View Assembly of God; this was the last church he would attend until going home to Jesus.

To Harold and Betty were born seven children, Mary (Lyle) Deskin of East Wenatchee, Eddy Dean (Penny) Deatherage of East Wenatchee, Marlena (Ed) Burkey of Richland, Nannette (Bill) Fishborne of Wenatchee, Jack (Cindy) Deatherage of Entiat, Melinda (Rod) Hubbard of Wenatchee and Larry Deatherage. They were blessed with 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Harold leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Betty, of Entiat. Of his 11 brothers and sisters, he is survived by his 92 year old sister, Hazel Thompson of Bakersfield, CA; and their special friends, Max and Pauline Singleton of East Wenatchee. He was preceded in death by two sons, Eddy Dean and Larry Deatherage; two granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

We deeply thank the Urology staff at the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and greatly appreciate the compassionate treatment given to Harold by Dr. Pazona. Hospice nurses, Claudia and Trish and the social worker, Alicia, were instrumental in helping us to keep Harold at home, where he peacefully passed away in his easy chair. Additionally, we are exceptionally fortunate here in the Entiat Valley to have such a skilled and dedicated emergency staff. Our heartfelt thanks go to these people who were so kind, Jimmy Brooks, Don Olin and Adam Jones.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2011, at Mountain View Assembly of God, 19 McElmurry, East Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mountain View Assembly of God, because God's work goes on forever. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.