Jerry Staudenraus

Jerry Lee Staudenraus peacefully passed away July 11, 2026, at the age of 82, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. 

He was born April 27, 1944, to Peter and Doris Staudenraus. The family resided in Southwest Washington until 1955, when they moved to Cascade Valley in Moses Lake. Cascade Valley was a great place to grow up, with lots of friends to hang out with, and one of his buddies quickly tagged him with the nickname “Smiley.” 

Jerry graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1962. In October 1962, he and his buddy joined the Army. During their enlistment, they were stationed in Germany. 

After his discharge, that “smile” won the heart of Mary Lou Brotherton. They married and moved to Thorp where Jerry attended Central Washington University. In 1968, Mary gave birth to Heidi. After Jerry graduated, the family moved to Walla Walla where Jerry went to work for the Dept. of Social and Health Services. Jason was born in 1972 in Walla Walla.

Jerry moved his family back to Moses Lake and many would remember him working at the Washington State Employment Security office where he helped connect numerous people with employment. After a long career, he retired from Employment Security with 30 years of service.

Later in life, Jerry found great joy and companionship with his longtime partner, Betty Clink. Together they shared many adventures and created lasting memories. Betty brought love and a spirit of adventure into Jerry’s life. The family is deeply grateful for the care and happiness she gave him.

Even before entering high school, Jerry always aspired to become a writer. After his kids graduated, he picked up pen and paper and wrote a book of short stories and poems over the years that culminated into a book entitled “Moonbeams and Poetry.”

Armed with a witty mind and a free spirit, he was a great conversationalist and even better friend. Many friends and relatives enjoyed his backyard and discussing with him any, and every topic that came to mind. Often times departing with more wisdom than when they arrived. Jerry was the life of the party and always ready to rally. He showed up colorful, both in attire and demeanor and always made the gathering interesting.

Jerry is survived by his loving companion, Betty Clink; daughter Heidi (Dean) Martinez; son Jason (Yasmin) Staudenraus; brother Pete (Maggie) Staudenraus; sister Karen (Bill) Holloway; four grandchildren: Cody, Jacob, Isabella and Marcos; three great-grandchildren: Kai, Grayson and Harper; and numerous nieces and nephews who will greatly miss their “Funcle.” He is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Doris Staudenraus, and his great-grandson, Landon (2021).

Our family would like to invite those who would like to celebrate Jerry to the home of Heidi and Dean Martinez at 354 Desert Hills Loop SE on Friday, July 17, at 5 p.m.