Leonne Florence McDaniels Obituary (1926

Together Forever. 20 years ago, that is the phrase that Earl and Leonne decided to put on their gravestone -- "together forever". Easy to say, but what does it really mean to be together forever? Let us start with Earl. In 1924, Earl was born the 8th child out of 9 children with his beloved twin brother, Elmer, being born 2 minutes later. As the story goes, their mother looked at their father and said, "Grandpa, when they start coming out double, I'm done." Earl had 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Earl was born farming and said that he could not ever imagine doing anything else. By the time Earl was 14, he was a full-time farmer. Earl loved the earth and making things grow. As everyone knows, Earl never met a joke he didn't like. He was known as "the digger" and could outdig a backhoe. He was famous for his ready grin and big hugs. One of the highlights of his life was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 1963 with his best friend Walt Cullen, his two sons, Les and Mike, 20 Boy Scouts and 2 pack horses. For over 60 years, Earl looked forward to participating in the annual Cullen-McDaniels’ hunting trip. Over the years, he helped everybody -- family, neighbors, friends, strangers. Earl was famous for helping anyone who asked. Now for Leonne. In 1926, Leonne was born a gentle, gentle soul-- the 6th child out of 7 children with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Her earliest memories were playing in her father's greenhouse. He raised flowers for a living which is why Leonne loved any and all flowers -- with iris being her favorite. She biked to town every day to sell eggs and learned early how to work hard on the farm. Later, Earl's friends would tell him, "Tell Leonne to stop working so hard. She is making us look bad." She would slip on a 30-pound spray pack and kill weeds in 100-degree weather with joy in her heart. She loved her family and laughing and jigsaw puzzles and the Sonics and baked the most incredible pies with a crust that would melt in your mouth. Everyone who knew Leonne knew her giggle and lilting voice and warm welcome to all. So how did Earl and Leonne find each other? In 1955, God decided that it was time to get this "together forever" thing going between Earl and Leonne. They met at a family member's house for dinner and we know that "love at first sight" is a cliché--but in their case it was really true. They went roller skating for their first date and fell into each other's arms way more than was strictly necessary and never stopped doing that. They created a loving and laughing extended family of 6 kids -- Les, Mike, Sharon, Linda, Dean and Keith -- 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 33 cats and an unlimited number of stray dogs--and loved them all. They raised thousands of tons of sugar beets and sweet corn and asparagus and pinto beans and peppermint and red wheat seed. Leonne, 88, died on September 24, 2014. Earl, 90, died 19 hours later on September 25, 2014. Earl and Leonne liked each other and loved each other and trusted each other. For almost 60 years, they were true partners in farming and love and life and we will miss them every day. Earl and Leonne are survived by their children Les, Sharon, Linda, Dean and Keith. Son Mike died in 1974. Earl is survived by one brother, Elmer McDaniels. Leonne is survived by one sister, Lorene Von. They are survived by 9 grandchildren – Angel, Nathan, Steven, Michael, Carissa, Zak, Justine, Erika and Joey and 2 great grandchildren – Aldrea and Jade. Services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. Followed by fellowshipping after the services at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside. In lieu of flowers, family members request donations be made in honor of Earl and Leonne McDaniels to the Grace Brethren Church in Sunnyside, WA or the National Parkinson Foundation Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in care of all arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.valleyhillsfh.com .