Adele Ellen Hale

On February 23, 2024, with her family by her side, Adele Ellen (Ermey) Hale 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior. Although we will miss her greatly, it is a blessing knowing her long and difficult journey with various health issues is over, and that she is now reunited with her husband Hamley.

Adele was born in Yakima, Washington on August 17, 1946 to Robert and Agnes (Einarson) Ermey. Adele and her three siblings grew up on a farm between Harrah and Wapato in the Yakima Valley, and she lived her entire life within ten miles of her original home place. Adele told many wonderful stories about growing up in the Yakima Valley and was proud of her heritage knowing her parents and grandparents were pioneers in the valley's Concord grape industry. Over the 50 years that she and Hamley farmed together, they continued the family legacy of growing Concord grapes.

Adele started the first grade in the Wapato School District and graduated in 1964. She recalled how she was unable to attend kindergarten because the district did not have funding at that time. Adele was active in 4-H through high school and participated in many other clubs such as Future Teacher Club, Pep Club, and Girls Club. During her junior year of high school, Adele won the Betty Crocker Jr. Homemaker Award. She went on to attend college and graduated from the University of Washington in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting.

Adele met the love of her life, Hamley Hale, when his family came to purchase a woodstove from Adele's family. Hamley and Adele were married in the Wapato Presbyterian Church on July 20th 1968. They settled into life and farming and started their family the following year with the birth of their daughter, Audrey. The next year their daughter Lorraine was born, and with the birth of their son Piper six years later, the family was complete.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was humbly proud of her life as a farm wife and mother. She devoted her life to raising her children and working alongside Hamley on their farm. When time allowed, she enjoyed sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed her own wedding dress and then later outfits for her children, mended Hamley's overalls, and made other beautiful items for their home. Her homemade meals were always blessed and eaten around the family dinner table, and often included home canned fruit she preserved from the bountiful valley she lived in. She adored her family and ten grandchildren and loved hearing about all of their adventures and activities.

With the strong work ethic, she gained growing up on a farm, Adele embraced the hard work that comes with being a farmer's wife. She would frequently be found driving a truck or tractor during harvest, irrigating, or tending to livestock. Every year, for nearly a decade, she raised hundreds of dairy replacement heifers for a local dairy. Showing true grit and determination, she was never heard complaining about the long hours and rigorous task of twice-a-day feedings, during harsh sub-zero winter weather or blazing summer heat.
Her love for animals was always a big part of her life. She had a special fondness for cats, and with a smile would say that the only thing better than having one cat, was having two. Many stray kittens would somehow find their way to Adele's doorstep where they would receive loving care and attention. People that knew Adele found her to be rather quiet, however you could always get a smile and engaging conversation when you asked her about her cats or shared a story about your own.

She was an avid reader and lifelong learner with her favorite subject matters being history, travel, and the American Wild West. She also enjoyed the search for hidden treasures and a good bargain. She had a keen eye for finding useful items, or antiques and collectibles that she would generously share with friends and family.

Although her health issues hindered her ability to travel as much as she would have liked, she had cherished memories of family camping trips and the occasional last minute road trip. When there was a break in the farm work, she and Hamley would hook up their Airstream trailer and hit the road for a few days. She was still planning and hoping to go on "one more trip" this summer so she could spend time with her family.

Adele was preceded in death by her husband, Hamley Hale, her brother Chris Ermey, infant sister Elizabeth Ermey, and her parents.

She is survived by her three children Audrey (Kyle) Richter of Battle Ground, WA, Lorraine Hale of Wapato, Piper Hale (Emily) of Wapato; grandchildren Parker and Katie Morris, Kaden, Alek, and Rylan Richter, Mary, Leah, Anna, Sam, and Micah Hale; sister Becky Willey, and brother Clair Ermey.

Arrangements are being handled by Heggie's Colonial Funeral Home. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.heggiescolonialfuneralhome.com. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 9:30 at Reservation Community Memorial Park in Wapato. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

The family suggests that memorial gifts may be given in her honor to the Union Gospel Mission.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the care and compassion given by the staff of Highgate Senior Living in Yakima, as well as Memorial Hospice.