Azel Pellham, 85, of Moses Lake passed away suddenly, to be with the Lord, on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.

Azel was born Feb. 20, 1923, in Igo, Mo., to Sam and Georgia (Griffith) Pellham. Azel was a devout husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor. He loved to spend time with family and friends. He grew up in the Ozarks and came out west to live and settled in Rainier, Ore. In 1949, while in Rainier, he was introduced to the love of his life, Lois Renshaw. They were married Oct. 21, 1950, in Rainier. Azel worked his life as a timber cutter, throughout the Pacific Northwest, for over 40 years, part of these years as owner operator of Pellham Logging. Azel and Lois raised their seven children in Snohomish, Wash. As the family grew he was involved with their children in FFA, 4-H and sports. Azel loved sports and attending the Snohomish football games. He was a member of the “Snohomish Athletic Booster Club” awarded to him from the late coach Dick Armstrong. A few of Azel’s other favorite pastimes included: bowling, bluegrass festivals, country music, gardening and camping. He touched the lives of many people in ways that will ensure that he will not be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife Lois Pellham of Moses Lake; sons Bill Pellham of Granite Falls, Wash., Jack (Jodi) Pellham of Marysville, Wash., Rick (Lori) Pellham of Snohomish, Wash., Scott Pellham of Snohomish, Wash., Jeff Pellham of Everett, Wash.; daughter Sharon (Bill) Skorick of Othello: 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; brothers Palmer Pellham of Sparta, Mo., Rolla (Louise) of Ava, Mo.; sisters Chloe Wilson of Ava, Mo., and Ruth (Sam) Frye of Ava, Mo. He is preceded in death by parents Sam and Georgia Pellham and daughter Marilyn.

Services will be held Saturday at noon at the Monroe Faith Center, 16910 161st Ave. S.E., Snohomish, WA 98290. Please join the family in the celebration of Azel’s life at a potluck luncheon immediately after the services.