Thomas Sargent Shiflett

Thomas Sargent Shiflett, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on the Pinedale family ranch August 4, 2015. Many family members and friends were with him throughout his last days. Tom was born on July, 9, 1926, to Sargent and Mae Shiflett in Wenatchee. He was raised on the ranch with his brother, Ned and sisters, Peggy and Lou. Tom was put on his first horse at the age of four. He became an expert horseman and trainer at a young age. Tom graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1944 as class Salutatorian. He was to attend Washington State University, but was unable because of WW II. He later joined the Washington State National Guard. Hunting was a lifelong favorite activity. Tom was an avid hunter with many trophy animals in his game room. Hunting photographs from the Pacific Northwest, including Montana, hang in wooden frames handmade by Tom on the walls of his home. He enjoyed working with tools and repaired farm equipment at the ranch shop. He was, in fact an expert at everything he did, including dancing, particularly the Texas two-step. Tom joined the Stemilt Hill Grange #1095 at the age of 15, with his sister, Lou. Had he survived, he would have received his 75 year membership pin. Tom's love of his family surpassed all else. He married his true love, Ruby Mae Hastings, at the Stemilt Hill Community Church on August 13, 1950. Together, they made their home at the family ranch, which they had purchased upon the passing of Sargent, Tom's father, and raised their five children: Butch, Steve, Priss, Lucky, Debbie and granddaughter, Danielle. Tom was a cattle rancher and orchardist his entire life. Music was a major part of the Shifletts' heritage. Many Shifletts played instruments and sang. Tom kept the tradition going with his own children, teaching the lyrics to many songs, which they sang together daily, working in the hay fields or riding horses. In the Summer of 2010, Tom lost his precious jewel, Ruby. That same year, Tom patented a new variety of cherry and named it "Pinedale Ruby." Forty acres of the Ruby cherries on the home place ensure Tom and Ruby's love and legacy will live on. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ned and sister-in-law, Anna Mae, sister, Peggy and brother-in-law, Stanton Chase, brother-in-law, Delbert Keane; wife, Ruby, son, Michael "Butch" and daughter, Peggy McDougall. Tom is survived by his sons, Steven (Jane) and Stanton (Vi), daughter, Deborah Ercanbrack, and devoted sister, Lucille Keane "Auntie Lou", and eight grandchildren: Danielle Jack, Kristina Fry, Stephanie Matthews, Seth Shiflett, Thomas Ercanbrack, Shannon Merz, Michael and Will Shiflett; six great-grandchildren: Garrett and Cash Matthews, Hunter and Hailey Merz, Kristen Ercanbrack and Paisley Shiflett, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Stemilt Hill Cemetery (seating provided). A potluck reception will follow at Tom and Ruby's home on the Pinedale family ranch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stemilt Hill Grange #1095. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Thomas Sargent Shiflett

July 9, 1926 - August 4, 2015