Jack Ensley

Jack Philip Ensley passed away peacefully September 25, 2018 at his home with family near him.

He was born in Colfax on May 23, 1924 to Philip and Bessie Ensley.

Jack graduated as valedictorian of the high school class of 1942. After a short time at Washington State College studying engineering, he returned to the family farm. He loved farming and made it his life's vocation.

Jack married Dorrie Ellen Palmgren in 1948. The couple had three children, Kathy, Michael and Susan. Jack and Dorrie divorced in 1971.

Carole Whitehead Santos came into Jack's life in 1977 and became the love of his life. The couple married in 1978. They had one son together, Joshua Aaron.

Jack was active in the Parvin Grange, where he served as Master many times as well as in other offices and positions. In addition he served on boards of directors for Whitman County Growers and the Colfax Grange Supply.

Jack loved the Bible and spent many hours studying it. He attended many Bible Student conventions all over the Pacific Northwest.

Jack loved the land that he farmed and worked hard to save as much soil as possible from erosion. He built some of the first seeding equipment designed to direct seed into undisturbed soil. This practice has now become common.

Jack also enjoyed earning his private pilot license in 1975. In the fall of 1976, he along with his son Mike, also a pilot, went to Moultrie Georgia, and flew home a brand new Maule M5 aircraft which they enjoyed for the next 26 years.

Jack is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carole Ensley; and his four children, Kathy Virginia (Carl) Thompson of Colfax, Mike (Cathy) Ensley of Colfax, Susan (Gary) Sandvig of Anacortes, Wash., and Josh (Kadie) Ensley of Renton Wash .; and Carole's children, Debbi (Marc) Weller, Brian (Pauline) Santos, John (Bouchanh) Santos, and Susan Santos Ball. He is also survived by many grand and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Virginia (Carl) Palmgren and Esther (Archie) Branch. He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Olin Braun and Kaitlynne Ball; and one great-grandchild, Siloam Fiorillo.

Memorial donations can be made to Kindred Hospice, 1610 NE Eastgate Blvd #850, Pullman or to Dawn Bible Student Assn. at 199 Railroad Ave, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at Bruning Funeral Home with burial to follow at the Colfax Cemetery. Bruning Funeral Home is caring for the family.

On-line guest book can be found at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com.