Ivan Lee Kirton Neumeyer

Ivan Lee (Kirton) Neumeyer, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on February 28th, 2017 at his home in Yakima surrounded by family. He was truly an amazing man of great strength, willpower, and integrity. Throughout his many health issues over the years, he was a strong warrior and fought hard until the very end.

He was born September 2, 1942 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Harold and Ione Kirton. He moved to Yakima with his mother as a young child where he was raised by her and Cleo (Doc) Neumeyer. He graduated from A.C. Davis High School in 1960 and attended Yakima Valley Community College.

Ivan met his wife Sharon Sue (Brooks) and was married on May 1, 1964. They went on to raise their two daughters and enjoyed spending time with family and the grandchildren. He will be remembered with gratitude for his tremendous love, commitment and devotion to his wife, his daughters and family. He lived a wonderful life and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and also a wonderful neighbor and friend. His family feels truly blessed to have been a part of his remarkable journey. Ivan will forever be missed, but never forgotten. We will hold dear all the wonderful memories we have shared.

He was an avid athlete throughout school and adulthood. He spent many years playing softball and traveling on tournament teams, golfing and bowling. He was known for making a hole in on the golf course. He had a competitive spirit and many times took away every award at the end of each season. He enjoyed watching football, baseball, golf and boxing on television. He also took great pleasure sitting on his patio enjoying a perfectly manicured yard, his rose bushes and tomato plants.

Through the years, Ivan worked diligently in the janitorial business and eventually opened up his own business, Ivan’s Building Maintenance, in which he owned and operated for 35 years until his retirement. He was known for being highly respected as a hard worker, was trustworthy, and paid every attention to detail.

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his beloved wife Sharon of 52 years, the woman he would spend his life with, daughters Jana (Shane) Wells of Moorpark, California and Cindy (Gene) Hedden of Harrah, Washington, step-grandchildren Colt Hedden and Crystal Mathwich, six grandchildren, Hunter Maverick, Rogan, Abagail (Abbie) Wells and Dash, Huck and Finn Hedden, two brothers, Chuck Neumeyer (Barb) and Monte (Sharon) Neumeyer, Betty Neumeyer and several half/step and sisters and brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, good neighbors, and countless friends. He also leaves behind his special pet dog Daisy.

He is preceded in death by an infant son Stacy Lee, infant granddaughter Hudson Belle Hedden, and his parents, Harold Kirton, Ione Felix and Cleo (Doc) Neumeyer.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the doctors and their staffs who treated and cared for Ivan over the years. He had great respect, trust, and admiration for all of them. Also, to Virginia Mason Memorial Hospice staff for their love, dedication, compassion, and support.

A memorial service in his honor will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive. Ivan will be laid to rest at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, 3001 Terrace Heights Drive following the service. A reception will follow at Rainier Memorial Center immediately following.