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Chet Steen Obituary

By Bob Steen
Chet Steen started out on a new journey late in the day on March 24, 2009; he died peacefully a little before midnight. He was looking forward to the trip, laying down the burdens of this world and looking forward, in Christian faith, to crossing that river, going home to be with Ruth Carriker Steen (his wife of 55 years) and Ibbie Shelton Switzer Steen (his wife of 12 years).
Chet’s journey in this world began and ended in Walla Walla, WA. He began his sojourn on October 30, 1915, the son of Loren and Lucretia Troyer Steen. He found his way to Washington State University where he courted and married Ruth Carriker in 1939 and graduated with a degree in Dairy Science. The couple moved on to the 1939 New York World’s Fair where Chet was one of the Borden Boys at the Borden exhibit for two years. After managing dairy farms in New York State, his itinerary included a 34-year stop in Plainsboro, NJ as vice-president of operations at Walker Gordon Farms, managing the largest dairy herd in the state. He also served as the first full-time clerk of Plainsboro Township. He retired in 1984 and moved with Ruth to a lovely home on the Columbia River in Orondo, WA, close to Ruth’s childhood home of Wenatchee. After Ruth took her own journey to the Promised Land in February 1995, Chet was drawn back to Walla Walla by the love of Ibbie Switzer. They married in November of 1995 where they enjoyed life at the Washington Odd Fellows home in Walla Walla. Ibbie took her own new journey just last year, passing away in October 2008. After 93 years, Chet’s mind and spirit were sharp and strong, but a fractured hip combined with heart disease made his body too tired to take even one more step in this world. His loving family and friends wished him a fond farewell.
Chet was a true patriarch, leading by example but always ready with sage advice when asked. He was the father to four children and stepfather to two, claiming bragging rights for all of their accomplishments. His children are scattered, but feel the strong bond of family. Harry L. Steen (deceased) and his wife, Barbara were residents of Warwick, NY (Barbara now lives in Nevilleville, PA). Joan C. Olson and her husband Ardel live in Spokane, WA. Robert E. Steen and his wife Anne hail from St. Louis, MO. Nancy H. Shelton and her husband Jeff reside in Peoria, IL. Chet’s ten grandchildren provided him with 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Carma Carlson in Olympia, WA and Martha Dybdahl and her husband Dick in Puyallup, WA. Chet’s six step grandchildren added nine step great grandchildren to his family. Chet is also survived by a younger sister, Betty Lou Elkington who lives in Lynn, WA. He loved them all and enjoyed visiting his far flung clan.
On his journey in this life, Chet was a leader in the advancement of dairy science, education, and the work of the church. Chet advocated for quality education, serving as a member and president of the Plainsboro Board of Education for over 20 years, and as president of the board of managers of Cook College, the agricultural college at Rutgers University. He was elected president of the Mercer County Agricultural Society, the Plainsboro Lion’s Club, the Middlesex County (NJ) Grand Jury, and most recently the resident’s board of the Washington Odd Fellows Home. He has been a lay leader in the Plainsboro Presbyterian Church, the Orondo Community Church, and the Blue Mountain Community Church in Walla Walla.
Both Ruth and Ibbie Steen were afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Memorials in Chet Steen’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Inland Northwest Chapter, 910 West 5th Avenue, Suite 256, Spokane, WA 99204 or by calling (509) 473-3390. No flowers, please.