Ernest Lester Peterson

Ernest (Ernie) Lester Peterson, "King of Selah", age 92, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 23, 2011 at the Covenant House in Yakima, WA. Ernie was born July 3, 1919 in Leith, N.D. to Ed and Lena Peterson.

Ernie married Margaret Frederickson on June 2, 1941 and lived in Auburn, WA. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II and they moved to Selah, WA in 1959. Because of his service work for the community, he was nicknamed "King of Selah" in 1999 and was Grand Marshal of the Selah Community Days parade. Ernie worked at Mead's Thriftway, retiring in 1984. Margaret preceded him in death on Nov. 7, 1995 after 54 years of marriage.

Ernie later met Marcella Purdy and they were married Sept. 7, 2002 and lived in Yakima until his passing.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Marcella, son Larry (Mary) Peterson, daughters Melody (Bill) Eikenbary and Elaine (John) Peterson; step-children Bill (Sue) Purdy, Ike (Renee) Purdy, Mike (Sherri) Purdy, Sue (Vern) Sartain and foster son Mike (Caroline) Fisher; 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 23 step-grandchildren, 29 step-great grandchildren and 4 step-great great grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 brother, 2 sisters and many relatives and friends. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at the Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Memorial Service will be at 1 P.M. Wednesday Dec. 7 at the Summit View Church of Christ, 100 N. 72nd Avenue Yakima, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Yakima Memorial Hospice, American Red Cross or Dementia Research in c/o of Keith and Keith Funeral Home who is entrusted with the arrangements.