Claudette Frances Passage

May 16, 1941 - October 10, 2021

Claudette Frances Werntz Shank Passage was born May 16, 1941 in San Diego, California to Ceceilia and Lloyde Werntz. She married Larry Shank in El Cajon, California and had two children, Donald L. Shank and Denise L. Shank. In 1960, Claudette and the family moved to Euguene, Oregon and five years later they moved to La Pine, Oregon and started a plumbing shop in Wickiup Junction. Claudette was very involved with her children's activities and served as a cub scout and 4-H leader. She also loved to watch sprint car racing at the Cottage Grove Speedway and helped out with concession stand and racing events. In 1975, the family moved to Richland, Washington and Larry passed away in 1976. In 1977, Claudette met and married Ronald W. Passage in Pasco, Washington. In 1978, and with the help of their children, Claudette and Ron worked side-by-side to build their first house in West Richland. In 1994, they sold their first house and together built their dream home where she lived until her passing. Claudette possessed a strong work ethic and in addition to raising a family, she was a bookkeeper for Wickiup Plumbing and also worked as a salesclerk for Robinson Department Store and Pay N Save until 1995 when she retired from RiteAid. Claudette and Ron enjoyed many years of traveling together including trips to England, Ireland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Hawaii and several cruises. Ron would often comment how much he loved traveling with Claudette because 'she was fun to be with.' One notable trip was when Claudette and Ron accompanied Claudette's mother-in-law, Jesse, on a trip to Scotland to explore Jesse's Scottish ancestry. Claudette was fun, spunky, strong-willed and absolutely loved and was devoted to her family and friends. She will be immensely missed. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Memories at Sunset Event Center, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, Washington. All those wishing to pay their respects and participate in a celebration of Claudette's life are invited to attend. Claudette is preceded in death by Lloyde Werntz (father), Avis Werntz (stepmother), Ceceilia Price (mother), Eugene Price (stepfather) and Donald Passage (stepson). Claudette is survived by Ronald Passage (husband), Cinda Moyers (Steve) (Sister), Donald Shank (Cheryl) (son), Denise Shank (daughter), Ronald M. Passage (Jan) (stepson), Scott Passage (Rita) (stepson), Jennifer Sloan (stepdaughter) and grandchildren, Nicole Passage, Matthew Passage (Veronica), Anthony Arcilla (Mariana), Rachel Doyle (Tyran), Ryan Shank (Hannah), Kendra Sloan, Kaylee Sloan, Danny Rabelos (Michelle) and great-grandchildren, Kaden Passage, Riley Rabelos, Jordan Rabelos and Aubrey Doyle.