George Ray Shae

George "Punch" R. Shae passed away peacefully on January 2, 2011. He wanted to hold out another day to enjoy the birthday celebration that awaited him, but his heart was tired. Dad was surrounded by immediate family and was enjoying listening to everyone tell stories of wonderful family memories. Dad leaves behind a void that cannot be filled as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. George was born in Sarcoxie, MO on January 3, 1929, to James and Rosena Shae. He was the third (and only doted-upon son) of four children, raised in a strong Catholic family. During this time, he was given the nickname "Punch," and it stuck for life. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate and was honorably discharged after serving four years, stationed between San Diego, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI. Following military service, Punch came to Washington State to make it his home, was hired by Pacific Fruit and Produce and worked there for 36 years. While working in Yakima, he met a beautiful, young secretary, Dell Marie Cornett, fell in love and married in Yakima on February 11, 1956. Soon he was promoted to Salesman and moved to Wenatchee, where first daughter, Robin, was born. A job transfer moved them to Omak, where daughter, Debbie, and son, Jim, were born. Another transfer moved them to Wenatchee, where youngest son, Mark, blessed the family. Punch called Wenatchee home and said he lived in the most beautiful place and could never imagine living anywhere else. He was very involved in the Knights of Columbus and the St. Joseph's Parish. He helped start the program called KC Helps, a hospital equipment lending program. After retirement, he became very involved in the Wenatchee Senior Center, served on the Board and was voted "Volunteer of the Year." Punch is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dell Marie Shae; children, Robin Huffaker (Keith), Debbie Renz (Tim), Jim Shae (Kathy) and Mark Shae (Andrea); grandchildren, Kelsey, Dakota, Molly, Carter and Katie; sisters, Mary Lou Whisman (Archie), Dorothy Feather (Sam) and Roslee Timbrook; and many loving nieces and nephews. Punch was preceded in death by grandson, Court. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2011, at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee. A Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 7, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wenatchee. Concluding Services and Interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. We love you and miss you Dad - Heaps and Scads.

George Ray Shae

January 3, 1929 - January 2, 2011