Robert Earl Schaeffer

Robert Earl Schaeffer, age 46 of Touchet, Washington, passed away on November 29, 2012 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla. Robert was born on October 17, 1966 in Walla Walla to Terry and Shirley Schaeffer. He grew up on the family farm in Touchet, enjoying his 4-H livestock and working on his red 1966 Ford Mustang. Robert was active in FFA and other school activities, playing football, basketball and baseball every year at Touchet High School and graduating in 1985.

Robert attended Walla Walla Community College and graduated from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon in 1990. He married his wife Sylvia (Ramirez) in 1993; and with their daughter Harlie (16) and son Hayden (13), the family lived in Touchet on the farm where he was raised. Robert was a fifth generation wheat farmer alongside his dad, and they shared a deep love of working the land together. Robert served as Chair of the Touchet School Board, President of the Touchet Booster Club, volunteered at the Walla Walla Fair and Pacific Little League, and especially loved being involved in his children’s sports and school activities. He was a dedicated Seattle Mariners fan, a creative chef known for making his famous clam chowder, and a great friend with an unbridled sense of humor. People will remember Robert for his strength and kindness, and his love for his family above all else. Robert’s love of family was mirrored by the devotion and support shown by his wife, Sylvia, during his recent illness.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sylvia, and children, Harlie and Hayden, at home; parents, Terry and Shirley Schaeffer; sister, Cathy Schaeffer; grandfather, Perry Anderson; parents-in-law Humberto and Amalia Ramirez; and brothers-in law, Roy (Kristen) Ramirez and Humberto Ramirez, Jr. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Kathleen Schaeffer, and Josephine Anderson. Robert loved his niece and nephews, and will be missed by them as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, Washington. Funeral services will be held at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 1:30 PM with Pastor Rocco Shanks officiating. Burial will follow at the Touchet Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Touchet Booster Club through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.