Joseph Lee Zyph Sr.

Joseph Lee Zyph Sr, 84, went to join his wife and family members on May 27, 2026. Joe had a very loving heart and was loved and cherished by those who knew him. He was the 15th of 22 children born to Esther (Bariault) Zyph and Ona Zyph on May 14, 1942, in Toppenish, WA. He always stated that if his Dad’s overalls were hanging on the doorknob, they knew another brother or sister was on the way.
Joe had a special way with children and he shined the brightest when he was with kids. He was known as Pappy, Papa, Peepaw, Grandpa, and Dad. He always teased that if knew how much fun grandkids were, he would have skipped having kids and went right to being a grandparent. His children had to recalibrate him on that thinking. 
He was blessed with 4 children from his first marriage, Joseph Zyph Jr, Eric Zyph, Stephanie Zyph, and Thomas Zyph. Joe lived with his daughter, Stephanie, her son and his family in Pendleton at the time of his passing. He loved having his great granddaughters living with him and formed a special bond with them. They became partners in crime and he thrived on their love and companionship. 
Joe was a long-time volunteer for the Pendleton Round Up and Main Street Cowboys until his esophagus cancer made him too weak to continue. His time with these two organizations meant a lot to him. When his family rented the Let er Buck room for his 84th birthday, he was very excited. He had many fond memories tied to the Round Up grounds. Family from far and near showed up to celebrate this amazing man.
Joe was married to his 3rd wife, Sharee until her passing in 2023. He is survived by his children Joe Zyph Jr from LaGrande, OR, Rick Zyph (Julie) from Everett, WA, Stephanie Zyph from Pendleton, OR, and Tom Zyph (Dixie) from McNary, OR; stepchildren Jeff Hunter (Kristi) from Hillsboro, OR, Steve Hunter (Kathy) from Lincoln City, OR, and Kathy Jackson (Ron) from Spokane, WA along with many grand and great grandchildren; his brother Jack Zyph from Lynwood, WA and many nieces and nephews. 
There will be a celebration of life for Joe at the Pilot Rock Community Center, 285 NW Cedar Place, Pilot Rock, Oregon, July 11th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. This will be a potluck, bring your favorite dish and come celebrate an amazing man.