Obituary of Roy E Klein

Eldo “Roy” Klein passed away peacefully on March 18, 2019 at the age of 89. Roy, the oldest of three children and only son, was born to Ray and Hulda Klein in Gackle, North Dakota on July 4, 1929. When Roy was a young boy, the Klein family moved to Ritzville. In high school, Roy excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track, receiving 12 Red “R” varsity letters; a feat he was extremely proud of.  Roy’s fondest sports memory was playing baseball for Marcellus Grange, Ralston Rabbits and the Ritzville Ramblers. Throughout his life, he enjoyed watching and attending any and all sporting events. After graduating in 1948, Roy began working for the Adams County Road Department but his career was interrupted by the draft to the Korean War in 1951.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to Ritzville and continued to work for the County.  Roy retired from the County after 42 years.  In addition to his full time job, Roy did janitorial work for the Washington Association of Wheat Growers – 51 years, The Ritzville Journal – 10 years, Masonic Hall – 10 years and Lee Burroughs, CPA office – 20 years. Roy married Shirley Benzel on December 19, 1954 and they continued to make Ritzville their home for 63 years where Roy enjoyed being President of Gritman Senior Center for five years, being an active member of Trinity United Method Church and its choir and the American Legion.  Roy had a heart of gold and always enjoyed visiting with family and friends and sharing his infectious laugh, smile and sense of humor with everyone he encountered while oftentimes visiting over a cup of coffee and a piece of his favorite, chocolate cream pie.  His deep faith sustained him and he always displayed unwavering kindness and a sincere interest in others. Family was one of Roy’s greatest joys.  He is survived by wife Shirley; sister, Joyce (Jim) Preston, Ritzville; daughter Susan (Bob) Hebner, Spokane; grandchildren Cory (Joanna) Hebner, Spokane; Sterling Hebner and Whitney Hebner, Anchorage, Alaska; Nicole (Ryan) Taylor, Spokane; Shaylee (Philip) Newton, Colfax; great grandchildren Hailey Harper, Cayden Taylor, Cameron and Paige Newton, Carter and Taylor Hebner and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kathy and sister Velda (John) Miller, Ritzville. Memorials may be made to the Gritman Senior Center, Trinity United Methodist Church or Palouse Country Assisted Living, Fairfield, WA. Roy’s memorial service will be held Thursday, April 4, at 11 a.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, potluck to follow. To leave condolences please visit our website at www.danekasfh.com