Ernest Dwayne Loden, age 90, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2026 in Auburn, Washington. Ernest was born in Tacoma, Washington, on June 11, 1935, to Ernest and Vada Loden, and grew up in Mineral Lake. On August 12, 1955, he married Irene Loden, who preceded him in death on November 20, 1999. Ernest was a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was affectionately referred to as “Grandpa Ernie” by the six youngest Loden children. He is survived by his two daughters and one son: Cheryl Stiltner and her husband Rocky; Susan Conner and her husband Michael; and David Loden and his wife Cheri. Ernest also leaves behind four grandchildren: Eric Loden and his wife Kasey; Jacob Loden and his wife Cathy; Madisen Howard and her husband Mike; and Lucas Conner. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Mason, Lucy, Georgia, Benjamin, Margo, and Rozzi. Ernest proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He began his career at Boeing and later worked for many years as a Teamster truck driver, retiring in 1997. He was an avid fisherman and softball player who loved spending time with friends and family. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and later attended Gateway Chapel. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date in the future.

“You will always be loved, always missed, and never forgotten.”