Stephen WITT Obituary

Stephen Lewis Witt, our father, passed away on November 1, 2023.

He was born on August 25, 1931, in Monett, Missouri, the fourth-oldest of ten children born to Edmund and Amelia (Roschevitz) Witt. Dad seldom spoke of his humble upbringing, but his constant tinkering and ability to fix mechanical things with wire and mismatched screws told plenty. A story about a wire, a capacitor, a chicken, and a little voltage always had us laughing.

After being discharged from the United States Air Force in 1954, he married our mother, Dolores Huber of Harrington, Washington on August 13, 1955. They thoroughly enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren in every sporting event, 4H activity, and extra-curricular activity. We often heard Dad shout a soothing "Rattle, rattle, rattle!" in the middle of our free-throws.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. During this time, he had the opportunity to witness the detonation of an atomic weapon or device. He would talk about it often, and was recently awarded the newly created Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal. When he read the citation that accompanied the award, he said, "It took them long enough."

He is survived by children Tom, Rick (Wendy), Kathy (Don Beck), Don (Shelly), Kevin (Jenny), Colleen (Don Brock), and Tim (Kelly); 13 Grandchildren – Jim, Andrew, Steven, JR, Carlee, Ben, Alex, Jackson, Hunter, Kendall, Mason, Sophia, and Kyle; 10 Great Grandchildren – Daniel, Ella, Felicity, Violet, Clark, Karson, William, Olivia, Maggie, Sloan, and two on the way.

He was preceded in death by his lovely and gentle wife Dolores (February 15, 2018) and oldest Grandson Michael John Beck.

His only living sibling – Rosie Meeks, the ninth of the ten.

Dad worked for Aluminum Supply Company (Spokane) for many years, and was decidedly grateful to company ownership for the opportunity at a better life.

Deep thanks for the respect shown by all those who helped him live in his home until just before his passing.

The Funeral Mass will be held at his longtime church, Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, Spokane Valley at 503 North Walnut Road; date and time to be announced, followed by a reception in the church commons.

Stephen will be buried next to his wife, Dolores, in Harrington, Washington.

The family requests donations be made to the Saint John Vianney Catholic Church Holiday Poverty Fund or We Care Ministry.

In lieu of flowers, please gather and celebrate your family in remembrance of this honorable man. To leave condolences for the family, visit www.hennesseyvalley.com.