Robert "Bob" Dale Wardrip, Sr.

Walla Walla resident Robert Dale Wardrip, Senior, passed away December 12, 2012, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Graveside Service will be held at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM immediately followed with a reception at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens hospitality room. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice through funeral home.

Bob was born April 10, 1929 at the family home in Waitsburg, Washington to Lillie and William Wardrip. He attended schools in Waitsburg and graduated from Waitsburg High School. On June 5, 1949, he married Barbara June Klundt. Bob lived in Waitsburg, Washington until 1966 when the family moved to Walla Walla. He worked at the flour mill in Waitsburg until going to work for Pacific Power and Light Company in 1955. He worked as an estimator until his retirement.

Bob enjoyed his family time and was extremely proficient at gardening and woodworking. Some of his best times were spent as a member of Walla Walla High Steppers square dancing club, teaching round dancing, and socializing and traveling with his dancing buddies. He was in the Washington State National Guard in his younger years. He was also a long time Elks member. He volunteered in a variety of ministries through Pioneer United Methodist Church, mostly to be seen delivering meals and in hospital visitations. Always concerned about health and fitness, Bob seldom missed his daily two mile walk when he was able.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and his son Robert “Buddy” Wardrip, Junior. He is survived by two daughters, Vicky Maiden and her husband, Michael, Connie Maiden and her husband, Thomas, and his daughter-in-law, Wanelle Wardrip Garver and her husband, Russ.

Bob was also blessed with six grandchildren, James Maiden, Jay Angela Maiden, Kaci Wardrip Caldwell, Natalie Wardrip Williams, Haley Maiden and Grant Maiden. He also has ten great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved. Bob is also survived by his sister, Myra Bloor, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Always the optimist, Bob’s favorite expression was “Just make the best of it,” which he continually practiced with his physical challenges of the past seven years. He surely deserves to be able to run, leap and dance again as the Word promises! He always wore a smile and had a kind greeting for all he met.