Jerry Elsey

On Aug. 28, 2016, the world lost a truly
wonderful man. He was a beloved husband,
father, grandfather, brother,
uncle, and friend.
Jerry Ray Elsey was born Feb. 11, 1952, at the General
Hospital in Walla Walla, to Joe and Lois Elsey.
He attended Dixie Schools through 8th grade, finishing
high school in Waitsburg. Jerry loved basketball,
and what he lacked in height he made up for in love
of the game, running circles around his opponents.
Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed many jobs, including
farming, working in a saw mill, for Pepsi
and UPS, and working alongside his friend Del at
Klicker’s Christmas Trees. No matter what he did,
he put his heart and soul into it, always making lifelong
friends along the way.
In January 2016, Jerry retired from a long career
with Walla Walla County. He was extremely touched
by the fact that his retirement party drew the largest
crowd the county has ever seen. Jerry’s dedication
and work ethic carries on, reflected in JT and
Jeremy. Nothing made Jerry prouder.
In 2004, Jerry married the love of his life, Sue. The
love and happiness that they brought each other
was evident to all who spent time with them. They
were blessed with 12 years together, but deserved so
many more.
Nothing was more important to Jerry than his family,
especially his wife Sue, and his sons, JT and Jeremy.
His favorite times were spent fishing with his
family, driving in the mountains, and working in the
yard with his wife. Nothing made him happier than
family gatherings and being surrounded by those he
loved.
Jerry spent his last year bravely fighting cancer. No
one really knew how sick he was, as he always had
a smile on his face and wanted to know how everyone
else was doing. We believe that Jerry held on
as long as he did because he so wanted to welcome
his newest granddaughter to the world, and he did.
Four hours before Jerry passed away, his granddaughter
Josie was born, and we know that their
spirits crossed and he welcomed her to the world. As
much as Jerry wanted to stay with his family here
on earth, he also liked to rub it in to his siblings that
he would be the first to see their parents again. He
considered his parents his best friends, and it gives
us comfort knowing that they are reunited.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sue of Dixie; his son,
JT (Ashlee) Elsey of Milton-Freewater, his son, Jeremy
Elsey of Waitsburg; his step-son, Rob (Theresa)
Main of Spokane, his step-son, Jason (Stephanie)
Allen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and his step-daughter,
Melissa (John) Buckley of Walla Walla; his grandchildren,
McCrae and Josie Elsey, Madison and
Ryan Weese, Connor and Dane Buckley, and Justin
and Joey Allen; and his siblings, Rich (Jackie) Fry of
Starbuck, George (Jenny) Fry of Walla Walla, Mary
(Steve) Brummett of Walla Walla, Larry (Leslie)
Elsey of Milton-Freewater, Jody Elsey of Tri-Cities;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Following Jerry’s wishes, there will not be a funeral
or memorial service, but instead a private picnic for
close family and friends. Memorial contributions
may be made to Providence St. Mary’s Cancer Center
through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315
W. Alder, Walla Walla WA 99362.