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Help Remember Neil's Legacy “From Farm Strength to Hospital Fight”
Obituary for Neil Fulwiler
Neil J Fulwiler, age 95, God called him home on June 3, 2026. He
was born on October 16, 1930, to Thelma (Collison) and Walter Fulwiler.
A respected outdoorsman, conservationist, rancher, and community leader, Neil lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and a deep love for family and the outdoors.
Neil met the love of his life, Nona Mae Buckles, while attending grade school in Malaga, Washington. They were married on August 22, 1948, and shared 64 years of marriage until her passing in 2013. Later in life, Neil found love again when he married Ruth Wahl on August 20, 2018. Their marriage brought companionship, happiness, and renewed joy to his later years, and he loved Ruth deeply.
After a long career with the City of Wenatchee, where he served as Water Resource Manager, Neil fulfilled a lifelong dream by completing the home he spent five years building on the Colockum Pass Ranch. Following retirement, he continued working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Neil was an avid outdoorsman whose greatest passions were hunting, fishing, farming, and wildlife conservation. At age 94, he was still actively hunting and successfully filled both his deer and elk tags. He was a dedicated member and past Officer of the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association and a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Known for his craftsmanship and generosity, Neil made custom knives that he donated annually to fundraising auctions, where they often became the center of spirited bidding. He volunteered countless hours building wildlife feeders and guzzlers, improving habitat, and supporting conservation efforts. He also helped reintroduce wild turkeys to the Colockum Pass area.
Throughout the years, Neil welcomed family and friends to countless gatherings at his beloved Colockum Pass home. He remained actively involved and was still farming at age 95. His determination, strong work ethic, and can-do attitude never faded.
On April 21, Neil was involved in a serious automobile accident and fought courageously to recover. He hoped to become the longest-living member of the Fulwiler family and reach 100 years old. Though he did not achieve that goal, he faced his final challenge with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. Complications from the accident ultimately ended his fight.
Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Nona; his son, Lance; his brothers, Norman, Harold/Red; one sister, Margaret; and granddaughter Jamie Shiflett.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wahl; his sister, Ruthie Murray; his children, Connie (Dave) Shiflett, Neil Fulwiler Jr., Mike (Ginger) Fulwiler, LD Wahl, Dan Wahl, Terri (Evan) Woods, Cheryl (Henry) Sladack,; MANY grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones & Jones-Betts Memorial Chapel.
Following the service, all are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life with light refreshments as we share memories, stories, and honor the life Neil lived.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
667 10th St NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association (WSA) in honor of Neil's lifelong passion for the outdoors, wildlife conservation, and preserving the traditions he loved. When donating through Fundrazr, please include "WSA" in the comments. Donations marked "WSA" will be directed to the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association in Neil's memory.
A respected outdoorsman, conservationist, rancher, and community leader, Neil lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and a deep love for family and the outdoors.
Neil met the love of his life, Nona Mae Buckles, while attending grade school in Malaga, Washington. They were married on August 22, 1948, and shared 64 years of marriage until her passing in 2013. Later in life, Neil found love again when he married Ruth Wahl on August 20, 2018. Their marriage brought companionship, happiness, and renewed joy to his later years, and he loved Ruth deeply.
After a long career with the City of Wenatchee, where he served as Water Resource Manager, Neil fulfilled a lifelong dream by completing the home he spent five years building on the Colockum Pass Ranch. Following retirement, he continued working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Neil was an avid outdoorsman whose greatest passions were hunting, fishing, farming, and wildlife conservation. At age 94, he was still actively hunting and successfully filled both his deer and elk tags. He was a dedicated member and past Officer of the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association and a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Known for his craftsmanship and generosity, Neil made custom knives that he donated annually to fundraising auctions, where they often became the center of spirited bidding. He volunteered countless hours building wildlife feeders and guzzlers, improving habitat, and supporting conservation efforts. He also helped reintroduce wild turkeys to the Colockum Pass area.
Throughout the years, Neil welcomed family and friends to countless gatherings at his beloved Colockum Pass home. He remained actively involved and was still farming at age 95. His determination, strong work ethic, and can-do attitude never faded.
On April 21, Neil was involved in a serious automobile accident and fought courageously to recover. He hoped to become the longest-living member of the Fulwiler family and reach 100 years old. Though he did not achieve that goal, he faced his final challenge with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. Complications from the accident ultimately ended his fight.
Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Nona; his son, Lance; his brothers, Norman, Harold/Red; one sister, Margaret; and granddaughter Jamie Shiflett.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wahl; his sister, Ruthie Murray; his children, Connie (Dave) Shiflett, Neil Fulwiler Jr., Mike (Ginger) Fulwiler, LD Wahl, Dan Wahl, Terri (Evan) Woods, Cheryl (Henry) Sladack,; MANY grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones & Jones-Betts Memorial Chapel.
Following the service, all are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life with light refreshments as we share memories, stories, and honor the life Neil lived.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
667 10th St NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association (WSA) in honor of Neil's lifelong passion for the outdoors, wildlife conservation, and preserving the traditions he loved. When donating through Fundrazr, please include "WSA" in the comments. Donations marked "WSA" will be directed to the Wenatchee Sportsmen's Association in Neil's memory.
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