Milton Clifford Salter

Milt, 92, was born in Almira, WA on July 31, 1916, to Milton C. Salter Sr. and Gerda (Eliasen) Salter. Milt attended school in Almira, graduating high school in 1935. Being an ambitious young man, Milt moved out of the family home at age 16. He sought and found work at various farms in the area as a hired hand, working for mainly room and board. He cared for and rode behind a team of 6-8 horses. He also would help his father build windmills for the farmers, all while attending school. Milt had a variety of jobs after graduation. He worked as a Drayline driver, hauling the mail from the train to the post office, coal from the train cars to businesses and homes, or sometimes groceries to homesteads. Milt also worked on Grand Coulee Dam. While working there, he met LaMaye Purcell Steinbach. They were married November 28, 1940. Milt then went to work for Inland Motor Freight, keeping he and LaMaye moving to Coulee Dam, Wilbur, Moses Lake, Sunnyside, Jordan Valley, OR and McDermott, NV. When his stepson, Dean Steinbach, reached school age, the family moved to Cashmere, LaMaye's hometown, and then settled in Wenatchee. Milt started working for Consolidated Freightways in 1945, earning several safe driving awards. He retired after 33 years in 1978. In 1951, Milt and LaMaye bought a small farm in East Wenatchee. There was an apricot orchard, which was turned into pasture land. Through the years, the family raised horses, beef, pigs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, geese, dogs and cats. This made a great place to raise children. One of Milt's joys was raising two of his grandchildren, Angela Steinbach and David Steinbach. He was a very active grandparent, from taking the kids for horse and buggy rides and teaching them to ride horses, to helping them in Camp Fire, Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA and school activities. Another joy for Milt was family camping and fishing trips. Milt was a life member of the Masonic Riverside Lodge #112, Scottish Rites and the Wenatchee Aerie F.O.E. #204. After retirement, Milt worked part time for M & E Memorial Markers. He also volunteered for 25 years, for the Community Food Distribution, where he enjoyed seeing and talking to community members. Milt found love again in 1991, when he married Ethel Cloke, making their home in East Wenatchee. They spent many hours traveling, visiting friends, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. One of the recent highlights of his life, was being honored as a Grand Marshall of the Almira County Fair Parade, for being one of Almira's original volunteer Firemen. The most recent highlight for Milt, was being chosen Valentines Day King at Colonial Vista Care Center. Milt is survived by his wife, Ethel Salter; step-children, Dean Steinbach and Arline Purcell; grandchildren, Angela Steinbach, David Steinbach, Stephanie Roos, Deann Sorenson, Tracie McGuire, Eric Purcell, PJ Cloke, Staci Balaro, Chad Cantrell, Misti Stephan and Michael Cantrell; sisters, Elsa Baker and Imogene Olson; brother, Elvin Salter; 36 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews. Milt was preceded in death by his wife, LaMaye Salter; step-children, Paul Cloke and Marilyn Cantrell; six sisters; and three brothers. The family would like to thank the caring doctors, nurses, assistants and other staff at Colonial Vista Care Center, for the tender loving care he received during his nine month stay. To honor Milt's wishes, there will be No Service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be sent to Shriner's Children's Hospitals.

Milton Clifford Salter

July 31, 1916 - April 9, 2009