Ernest Richard Melville

Ernest Richard Melville "Richard, Ernie, Dick" passed away on Dec. 28, 2021 at the age of 85, in Davenport, Wash. Ernest was born in Sprague, Wash. on Sept. 4, 1936 to Mary Iva "Billie" and Ernest "Babe" Melville. Ernest was raised on the family farm in Lamont, Wash. until 1945.

Ernest was 9 years old when the family moved to a cattle ranch in Cheney, Wash., where he lived and farmed until the fall of 1957. Ernest graduated from Cheney High School in June of 1954. After leaving the family farm, Ernest owned and operated several gas stations in the Spokane area until he went to work for John Deere Company in 1968, where his career lasted for over 30 years. As Area Service Manager, Ernest traveled and lived in Wash., Utah, Calif. and Ore. Ernest briefly retired in 1992 and was asked to return to John Deere Company for research and development on GPS systems in new tractors and relocated to Harlingen, Texas, which turned into a 10 year job that he loved. Ernest's love of ranching never left him and when he retired in 2002, moved back to Cheney, Wash. to fulfill his dream and became a "Gentleman Rancher". His cows, "prized bull", horses "Doc'' and'' Rooster'', along with his dog "Buddy" were more family than livestock or pets.

Ernest is survived by his wife Diane Melville, daughters Debbie Melville, Pam Melville (Bill Thomas) Michelle Melville, Desia Santos, and sister Erna Jean Bauer. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Ernest was preceded in death by his daughter Melanie Jo Melville, his sisters Mary Lee Adamson, and Amy Jo Sooy Tollefson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., March 19, 2022, from 1-3 PM at the Holiday Inn Express, 111 Betz Rd, Cheney, Wash. If booking rooms mention Melville Bereavement and they will offer a discounted rate.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be sent to the Lincoln Hospital Foundation, 10 Nicholls Street, Davenport, WA 99122.

Online guestbook at cheneyfuneralhome.com Cheney Funeral Chapel, Cheney, Wash. A private family burial will be held at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery.