Ellen June Rodenbough

Ellen June Rodenbough, 85, of Newport Washington, passed away on March 16, 2023 in her home of 50 years, the -HR Ranch surrounded by her family.

Ellen was born on June 23, 1937 to William and Irene Engelhardt in Hunters, Washington, and was raised on the old Trowbridge farm a few miles north of Cedonia along the Columbia River. Ellen immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Ellen went to the one room schoolhouse up Harvey Creek, Cedonia Grade School, and then graduated salutatorian from Columbia High School. She belonged to a local riding club and was active in the local 4-H group while enjoying square dancing.

Her Engelhardt/Gifford roots run deep through the Gifford, Cedonia, and Harvey Creek areas. Her father’s family settled in the area in 1883, and her mother's family settled in 1889. In 1898, her great grandpa Gifford started the longest continuous running ferry in the USA, from Gifford across to Inchelium. In 1883, the Engelhardt brothers wintered in a cave below Bissell Lake. Later her great-uncle Crist Engelhardt donated the property for a community church in Cedonia.

Ellen and Hugh wed on September 3, 1954 at the Cedonia Community Church and went on to have three children, Steve, Tracey and Brad. They raised their family while farming and ranching in Cedonia, Gifford, Hunters and Newport areas, while at the same time running a logging operation. Upon the passing of her husband, Ellen assumed control of the Rodenbough Logging Co. they shared, and successfully managing it until her retirement.

Ellen was an avid antique enthusiast, and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. A passionate Pinochle player, she played with several weekly card groups for decades, who will miss her shark like card skills.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years Hugh Rodenbough, son Brad Rodenbough, and parents William and Irene Engelhardt. She leaves behind a son Steve Rodenbough, daughter Tracey Rodenbough (Richard), grandchildren Josh Rodenbough (Tonya), Lance Rodenbough (Alisha), Tim Rodenbough and Hannah Rodenbough Hamberg, great grandchildren Aaron Rodenbough, Jacob Rodenbough, Kaeden Rodenbough, and Riley “Sunshine" Rodenbough. She also leaves behind her sisters; Rovena Brooks, Ilene Beck, Doris Egland and Billie Melin.

Friends and family will gather for a Celebration of Ellen’s Life on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 at the Cedonia Community Church, 4652 Highway 25, Hunters, WA, followed by a potluck.

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