Rodney C. Ingham

Rodney C. “Rod” Ingham passed away June 13, 2013 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center at the age of 81. Rod was born July 26, 1931 in Walla Walla, WA to Elmer B. and Laura M. Ingham of Touchet, WA.

He attended Gardena grade school and graduated from Touchet High School in 1949. Rod went on to Washington State College where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. In 1952, Rod married Pat Evans and they began their life of over 60 years together.
He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1954.

Upon graduation from WSC, Rod was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and he and Pat travelled to Fort Benning, Georgia where he completed officer’s training school. Rod was then posted to Fort Dix, New Jersey. Upon leaving the service, Rod began a 30 year career with the Walla Walla Production Credit Association managing its branches in Walla Walla, Connell and Pasco before retiring in 1986. In 1967, Rod and Pat returned to Touchet, joining his father on the family farm.

Rod and Pat have three children; Mike Ingham, Rhonda Strother, and Mitch Ingham.

Rod was active in many community and civic organizations including, Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce, Blue Mt. Lodge #13 F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, El Katif Shrine, and Walla Walla BPOE No. 287 (lifetime member.) Rod served 9 years on the board of directors of the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days in various capacities including pari-mutuel director and board President. He also served on the 5th Congressional District Academy Selection committee. Rod and Pat were both Frontier Days Parade Marshals in 2004.

Rod is survived by his wife Pat; sons, Mike (Sharon), and Mitch (Annette); and daughter, Rhonda (Monica). Rod has 6 grandchildren; Brandon, Jonathan, Patrick, Rachael, Monica and Lucas. He is also survived by sisters, Donna King and Linda Bryant, and numerous nieces and nephews. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Greg, sister, Vivian Kelso and brother, Jack Ingham.
He will be greatly missed by his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Walla Walla Community Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

At Rod’s request there will be no memorial service. A celebration of his life will be held on June 29, 2013 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Rhonda Strother’s residence.