William W. “Bill” Ensley, 74, a resident of the Samish community, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born on April 1, 1936 in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the son of Clarence & Annalee (Parker) Ensley.
The family moved to the Lyman-Hamilton area in 1937 and there Bill was raised and attended grade school and he then attended Sedro-Woolley High School until moving to California in 1952 where he worked as a logger and in lumber mills.
Bill returned to Washington a few years later and in 1954 was united in marriage to Barbara Britt. They made their home in the Skagit Valley where raised their three sons. Barbara passed away in 1990 after a battle with cancer.
Bill worked in the logging industry all of his adult life. He first worked for Carol Snell until he and his brother Jim started Ensley Logging, working throughout Washington State.
In 2000 Bill married Jackie Rogers and for the past 10 years they have enjoyed hunting and fishing and farming on their farm north of Sedro-Woolley.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jackie at the family home. Two sons, Randy Ensley of Sedro-Woolley and Robby Ensley of Bellingham. Two grandchildren, Billy Ensley of Sedro-Woolley and Kerri Burke and her husband Anthony of Kennewick and a great-grandson, Tristin Burke. His brother, Jim Ensley and his wife Lorraine and two sisters, Shirley Hyatt and her companion Alfred Massingale and Alene Nations and her husband Pete all of Sedro-Woolley. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his first wife Barbara, Bill was also preceded in death by his parents; a son Ricky Lee; a sister-in-law, Shirley Ensley and a brother-in-law, Leo Hyatt.
Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Care Center at United General Hospital.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 1:30 PM at the Lyman Cemetery with Pastor Rick Miles of the Day Creek Chapel officiating. A potluck fellowship will immediately follow the service at the Lyman City Town Hall.
Visitation is available at and services under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
I will forever miss you! Thankyou for for all of your thoughts and love… Thankyou for teaching me some of what you wanted to pass on… I will never forget you!
so sorry to hear about bill I am one of the extines that is left.we hate to lose anyone.God bless
doreen extine
My dear friend, Robbie, sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to be at that age where we start losing our loved ones. Embrace the time that we do get with our friends and family, it is truly the only real gift we get, time and love. Miss you lots my friend, Mark & Tina(Schulze) Rexroth & Family
Dear Jackie & family, We are so very sorry for your loss, as well as our too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and if there is anything we can do, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Love, Gary Baker & Tami Benson
Jackie, Billy, and Kerri,
I am very sorry about Bill’s illness and passing.
We are so sad. We can’t be there in person this weekend.
Jackie, I’ll be with you in spirit.
My love to you. Be strong. If you need anything, please call.
Bill is resting in Peace–you be peaceful too.
Auntie Glenyce and Jay
Robby-
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I didn’t know him personally, but he must have been a great man to have you as his son. I pray for peace to fill your void and good memories to sustain you. God will carry you through this Robby, but if you need a friend you know how to reach me. I will be in Oregon this weekend so I won’t be able to come to the service. I;m so sorry… Blessings to you my dear friend. Love ya, Denise
Dear James , Shirley , Alene and family ,
So very sorry to hear about Bill. Gone.too soon,, Bobbi Hendrix
Our prayers are with you all