Wesley Howard Ames

Wesley Howard "Wes" Ames, born October 24, 1939, in Yakima, Washington, passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 18, 2025, in Longview, Washington. 

Wes was the son of Donald Brown Ames and Violet (Irene) Hazel Burger. His family moved to Whittier, California, where he attended California High School and later Fullerton Junior College before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1958. Wes cherished his time in the Navy, especially his travels to Japan, which left such an impression that he considered moving there in his later years. 

Wes lived a life filled with love and adventure. He married his first wife, Jerry Moore, with whom he shared a passion for competitive skating. Together, they had a daughter, Christine Ames, born in 1959. After their divorce, Wes moved to Alaska, working as a butcher and in the woods before meeting his second wife, Janet Ames. They eventually settled in Oregon, where he owned a construction company specializing in government contracts and commercial projects. 

Wes later married Reva Eudy and adopted her son Robert. They shared 30 years together until her passing in 2010. In 2011, Wes found love again with Susan Mawae, and they built a life together in Longview, Washington, enjoying travel and dance lessons until her passing in 2021. Wes loved to buy and sell homes and cars. He was strong willed, determined and always had a plan on how to make things happen. He was generous to a fault especially to the ladies and if you asked him for help, he would figure out how he could help. In the last month of his life, he reflected on his life and shared that he could have done better, been better and he wished he understood more but his hopes and wishes are for others to be happy. 

Wes is survived by his daughter Christine Ames (Nick Gisotti) of Mission Viejo, California; Aunt Lorraine Wright of Long Beach, California; stepdaughters Roberta (Ed) Schamel of Longview, Washington, and Patty (Brad) Worel of Castle Rock, Washington; stepson Joe (Kris) Mawae of Longview, Washington; nephew Martin (Sabrina) McDermott of Battleground, Washington; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara Beasley, stepson Robert (Billy) Fields Ames, and three of his wives. 

A celebration of Wes’s life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Steele Chapel, 5050 Mt. Solo Road, Longview, Washington. Interment will follow at noon with a reception afterward. All are welcome to join in sharing memories of Wes’s life.