George Harvey Stenhouse, or “Poppy” as his grandkids called him, went to his heavenly home on December 31, 2024, at the age of 90. A celebration of George’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at North Shore Bible Church in Manson, Washington.
Born on August 4, 1934, in Soper, Oklahoma, George was the third of seven children born to Jessie Loraine “Nonnie” and Reverend George E. Stenhouse. Growing up in a home centered on faith, George’s devotion to God was instilled early and became the cornerstone of his life.
After the Great Depression, his family moved west from the cotton fields of Oklahoma to Montebello, California. Eventually settling in Beaumont, California, George met and married his high school sweetheart, Carol. Together, they raised four children: Sheri, Mike, Teri and David.
Their adventurous spirit led them to Chelan, Washington, where they operated Pleasant Beach Resort. George later built a career in the fruit industry, traveling across countries and oceans to share Chelan’s renowned Red Delicious apples with the world.
After retiring, George embraced his favorite pastimes: hunting with his spaniel Luke, golfing with his sons and sons-in-laws, and dominating at pool—never letting anyone, not even his grandkids, win without earning it.
In 2004, George lost Carol to cancer. Even amidst grief, George’s faith never wavered, and he taught his children to stay strong in their faith during the darkest of hours.
In time, George met Kathy, a spirited Texan he affectionately called “Lula Belle.” Together, they built a new chapter of life in Manson, Washington, then Ellensburg, Washington, and finally, Moyie Springs.
George’s greatest wealth was found in his unwavering devotion to God and the family he cherished. He taught his loved ones to treasure their time together, to love fiercely, and to laugh without restraint. A master storyteller with a mischievous streak, George’s humor and playful teasing were staples of every gathering.
For many years, George taught Bible classes, guiding others to deepen their connection with God. His powerful prayers and heartfelt words inspired countless lives, and he never met a stranger, always eager to hear their story and share the Gospel. George’s unwavering faith and bold testimony left a legacy of God-fearing men and women that will endure for generations. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23).
Now reunited in heaven with Carol, his parents, his sister Wilma, and many dear friends, George leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, four sisters and a brother, children and their spouses Sheri Palmer (Randy), Mike Stenhouse (Tami), Teri Ellis (Jim), and David Stenhouse (Shay), stepchildren and their spouses Laura Kirby (Bobby) and Lisa Latona (David), 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and countless others who were deeply touched by his faith, kindness, and humor.
In his honor, donations can be made to Light for the Lost, who donate FireBibles, a key resource in supporting pastors and missionaries.