Waterville Cemetery

05/28/2026

05/25/2026

Thanks to Alan Firoved for all his work in installing a new flag pole and 5*8 American Flag at Fletcher Cemetery

05/01/2026

Ernestine Eggers
Dec 10, 1929 - Apr 22, 2026

Ernestine (Syring) Eggers passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the age of 96.
She was born on December 10, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas, to Harold and Myrtle Syring, the oldest of their three daughters. The family later moved to Washington, where Ernestine graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1947.
Ernestine met the love of her life, Lawrence Eggers, on a blind date arranged by friends Bonnie and Al Jensen. They were married exactly two years later, on May 19, 1951. Together, they built their life on Lawrence’s family ranch, where they raised their three children: Ann, Rory, and Lyle.
A dedicated partner on the farm, Ernestine also served her community as a school bus driver for the Waterville School District. She was deeply involved in numerous organizations, including 4-H (as both a leader and later a fair judge), Wheat Wives, the Philomathic Society, and The Waterville Players.
Ernestine was a devoted member of the United Lutheran Church, where she made history as the first woman to serve on the church council. She also contributed as a Sunday School superintendent and teacher, sang in the church choir, and participated in the quilting circle.
She was a talented seamstress who lovingly created many items for her children and grandchildren. Among the most cherished were the sleeping bags she made for her four oldest grandchildren—one of which has since been passed down to her oldest great-grandchild.
In 2015, Ernestine and Lawrence moved to Orchard Crest Retirement Community in Spokane. There, she continued to share her talents and kindness by sewing for fellow residents, including making masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and crafting dinner scarves. Her generosity and spirit will be deeply missed.
Ernestine is survived by her children: Ann (Bob) Higginson and Rory (Mary) Eggers of Spokane, and Lyle (Sheila) Eggers of Waterville; her grandchildren: Ashlee (Dale) Prey of Waterville, Kyle Eggers of Wenatchee, Jessica (Tieler) Walker of Spokane, Matt Allen of Spokane, and Sarah (Epi) Allen of Walla Walla; and her great-grandchildren: Travis, Chaz, Emily, and Fred, with a fifth great-grandchild expected in June.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents, Harold and Myrtle; and her sisters, Sharon and Carol.
A service will be held Saturday, May 2nd at 1 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernestine’s name to the United Lutheran Church in Waterville, the Waterville Ambulance Fund, or a charity of your choice.
Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

04/29/2026

Hello Waterville neighbors. Just wanted to share a recent dedication by your Douglas County District 2 Commissioners to the memory of 'Richard Owen Black'.....who is he you might ask? Well....Mr Black is interred at the Waterville Cemetery along with his parents and grandparents. Mr Black was born and raised in Waterville. After graduation, he served our country. He did not return to Waterville to reside, but did visit most every Memorial Day Celebration. He generously bequeathed the proceeds of his earthly belongings to Douglas County Cemetery District 2 (Waterville Fraternal Cemetery) and Waterville School District. The dollars are managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, hopefully lasting the 100 years he intended and beyond.

We didn't know Mr Black personally, but through a series of extraordinary events, Mr Blacks military flag made it to the hands of one of our District Commissioners and we thought it appropriate to make a tribute to this individual for his ongoing gift. Our history is important. Maintaining and protecting the memories of yesterday is fundamental to our ongoing social cohesion. Together, we can all continue watching over and providing for tomorrow.

The funds we receive go to provide flags, flowers and programs to honor our Veterans and those who've gone on before us. Our grounds are lovely and many come to remember.

Shameless plug....Memorial Day Celebration is Monday, May 25th, 2026. Plans are in process for another wonderful celebration of our Veterans who gave the ultimate and time for reflection .

Thank you for taking time to read this and hope to see you on Memorial Day.

01/15/2026

Johnnie L. Gooch, 79, of Waterville, passed away on January 11, 2026 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Modesto, California on August 6, 1946 to Melvin and Ruby Gooch.

He spent his life finding the good in everyone. Never a complainer, always a rejoicer. His happiest times were with his kids and grandkids. His passion was fishing and hunting. He loved to garden and reap the bounty. His employment was as a laborer.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Was from 1965 to 1971.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ida; two children, daughter Terina (Shawn) O’Kelly and son, Brian (Tina) Gooch; and two grandchildren, Hunter Gooch and Gemma Gooch, all of Waterville.

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 16th at 11:00 at the Federated Church in Waterville, 220 W. Ash St. Burial will follow at Waterville Cemetery.

Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Upcoming Events
Service

JAN 16. 11:00 AM (PT)
Waterville Federated Church
224 W Ash Street
Waterville, WA 98858

12/17/2025

Waterville Cemetery is closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic indefinitely due to dangerous tree conditions and damage from last nights storm.
Update- several headstones are believed to be damaged- crews will enter area once safe and notify families and assist with damage claims.

07/14/2025

Gwennyth Ann "Gwen" Rinker, age 88, of Waterville, passed away peacefully in Wenatchee, Washington on April 23, 2025. Gwen was born on May 31, 1936, in Leavenworth, Washington and was joyfully welcomed by her parents, Glen Bruce and Adalene "Pinky" Parkins. Throughout her life, Gwen touched the hearts of all who knew her through her kindness, deep generosity, sense of humor, tireless work ethic, dedication to family, and steadfast faith.

In 1954, Gwen married the love of her life, Arvene Rinker, on February 13th. Together, they relocated to Douglas, Washington, where they embarked on a journey as wheat farmers and proudly began their family in 1957. This union was blessed with three children: Jeff, Shari, and Cindy. Although she experienced the profound losses of her children Jeff and Shari, Gwen's strength and dedication to her family never wavered.

A true beacon of love, Gwen's greatest passion was her family. Her home was a haven of laughter, warmth, and delicious aromas from her kitchen. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every precious moment spent with them.

As she raised her family, Gwen cultivated a life filled with devotion to her community and church family. Her involvement at the United Lutheran Church was deeply meaningful, where she actively served in various capacities, including the Mary Martha circle and the U.L.C. Women's Circle. She demonstrated her leadership, organization, and kindness as president, secretary, and treasurer of the American Lutheran Church Women's organization (A.L.C.W.). Gwen was also dedicated in her role as an officer for Douglas County Memorial Hospital Guild, where her compassionate heart and commitment to community welfare positively impacted countless lives.
Outside her commitments to family and the community, Gwen maintained a deeply­ rooted passion for her yard; her vibrant, carefully tended garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit and love of nature. Gwen was also an avid football fan, spending many Sundays cheering on her teams. Her home was a haven where friends, family, and neighbors alike gathered often, enjoying her warmth, laughter, and delicious home cooking.

Gwen's unconditional love and selflessness anchored her family, leaving a beautiful legacy cherished by multiple generations. She cherished her grandchildren, Stephanie (Sean) Johanson, Swayze (Arron) Carlille, Jeff (Jayme) Bultena, Luke (Maria) Bultena, Dylan (Jordan) Rinker, and Dustin (Shelby) Rinker, who fondly remember Gwen's comforting hugs, endless support, and ever-present humor.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Arvene, her son Jeff Rinker and her daughter Shari Brady, as well as by her parents Glen Bruce and Adalene "Pinky" Parkins. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Cindy and her husband Craig Terry, sister Bonny (Dick) Ludeman, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A graveside service honoring Gwen's beautiful and memorable life will be held at the Douglas Cemetery on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, all are warmly invited to gather at Knemeyer's to enjoy food, drinks, and an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and special memories celebrating Gwen.

Gwen will be profoundly missed, her genuine kindness, unwavering faith, and generous heart remaining alive in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Upcoming Events
Graveside Service

JULY 19. 11:00 AM (PT)
Douglas Cemetery

06/23/2025

Info from the Hart family regarding services this Saturday for Margaret Hart.

Margaret I. Hart
July 2, 1945 - April 11, 2025

Funeral Service 12:00 Noon Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Federated Church on Ash Street in Waterville, WA.
Open to all.
Followed by 1:00 reception with food and refreshments in the Church Fellowship Hall
2:00 private graveside service.
2:30 friends are invited to gather at Knemeyers for informal fellowship with family and friends.

Gifts in Marge’s name could be made to Waterville Booster Club OR Federated Church Women’s Guild.

Message Marty Hart any questions or to RSVP to help with food and space counts.

Love - Jay, Esther, Marty, Katina, & Chris

06/02/2025

We unfortunately suffered a spiraled main irrigation line spanning about 200 feet over Memorial Day weekend- entrance to the cemetery by the office/shop will be closed indefinitely- we hope to have irrigation restored this week.

05/24/2025

Huge thank you to the Waterville Football Team lead by Head Coach Brandon Wagg for helping with flags at the Waterville Cemetery.
Waterville Shockers