Leonard "Sonny" Warren Stoffer

Leonard “Sonny” Stoffer left for his journey to join Myla on March 2, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones at home. Sonny was born on August 9, 1926 in Northport, WA to William Stoffer and Hazel Tiarris” Stoffer-Poole.

As a young boy, Sonny and his mother made their home at the Nile Mill on Chinook Pass, which was where his love of the mountains began. His many experiences growing up on the Nile Mill remained vivid in his memory and he shared those stories with his family and friends throughout his life. He became somewhat of a historian with his recollections of growing up in the Nile and was especially proud of the literary piece written by his nephew Greg Hinze that featured his stories.

In 1944, Sonny enlisted in the Army, became a Medic and was stationed in Japan. He married the love of his life, Myla Hinze, on October 22, 1947. They were happily married for 69 years. Sonny and Myla had three children, Charlene, Gail and Kathryn. They lived in Umatilla for a brief time, but made their lifelong home in Naches. Sonny worked at Cascade Mill, the U.S. Forest Service, the Town of Naches and Allan Bros. He and Myla created beautiful wood work together and sold their works at various little shops throughout the Valley. His willow work was marvelous. Sonny was always willing to help others out and will be remembered for his kindness and gentle spirit.

Sonny’s happiest times were spent in the mountains enjoying the beauties of nature. He loved hunting, fishing, backpacking, riding horses, panning for gold (although he didn’t hit the motherload) and tote goating. He and Myla spent many summers camping in various places along Chinook Pass and at Bumping Lake. Sonny was a great storyteller and anyone who spent time with him loved the knowledge and history that he so willingly shared. His adventures and the time spent with his good friend, Kim Clark, meant a lot to him. Sonny was known for his quick wit, and numerous funny sayings that were sure to make you laugh. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with lithe boys, his grandsons Ryan and Randy, in the mountains. The bond he formed with them was one of his proudest accomplishments. Sonny was an amazing husband, brother, father, Gramps and friend. Since Myla’s passing, his dog “Woofie” became his best friend and companion.

Sonny is survived by two daughters, Charlene (Don) Mullinnex and Gail (Dan) McLaughlin; brothers, Kenny and Mary Poole, Charles and Nelda Poole; and numerous nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, Ryan (Angie) Ringer, Randy (Melissa) Ringer, Stephanie Ringer and Misty (Ryan) Sandefur; and eight great grandchildren, Samantha, David, Lily, Kendra, Ryan (Bubby), Isaiah, Keely, and Riley.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Joy, his parents, his brother Richard and his wife, Myla.

A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at the home of Dan & Gail McLaughlin, 13771 US Hwy. 12, Naches, WA 98937. We invite all those who knew and loved Sonny to join us for an afternoon filled with love, sharing and remembrance.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Springs and Heartlinks Hospice for the excellent care they provided during Sonny’s final days.