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Steven Wayne Ancell, 63, of Woodburn, OR, passed away at his home on February 23, 2025, circled by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer. Steve was born on August 22, 1961, in Hermiston, OR, to Everett Wayne Ancell and Betty Jean Roussos. He was raised in Oregon and graduated from Hill High School in Hillsboro, OR. in 1979. During his grade school and high school years, he worked alongside his uncle, Lee Melvin, in the construction business. Together, they built and remodeled many homes, an experience that laid the foundation for Steve’s future in real estate. Steve continued his education at Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College and completed the Dale Carnegie Training Course. In 2015, he earned his Broker Real Estate License. A passionate entrepreneur, Steve invested in the startup of an alpaca ranch in North Plains, OR, which he successfully owned and operated for nearly 20 years. He marketed the alpacas for showing, breeding, and selling and even marketed the fiber for yarn processing. He loved traveling across Oregon and SW Washington, selling his alpaca products to yarn and gift shops. On January 28, 2023, Steve married the love of his life, Cindy Wurdinger. Their love was evident to all who knew them, with friends and family frequently commenting on how truly happy they were together. The joy and light that Cindy brought into Steve’s life were unmistakable, and their bond was one of deep love and admiration. Steve was passionate and meticulous about everything he did, whether it was his work, his hobbies, or the relationships he cherished. His craftsmanship as a finish carpenter reflected his keen attention to detail, and his dedication to his passions—golf, collegiate football and basketball, and most of all, hunting and fishing with his son, Jason. He also treasured time spent with his parents, often carving out special time each month to be with his mother, Betty, and planning many meaningful hours hunting and fishing with his father, Wayne. Family was at the heart of everything Steve did, and he made sure to prioritize moments with those he loved. He especially cherished family vacations, where he created lifelong memories that will be held dear by those who shared them with him. Steve had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for traveling. He cherished every opportunity to explore new places, always eager for the next adventure. Among his most treasured trips were his visits to Greece, where he stayed at his mother Betty and stepfather Tony’s Greek cottage, "Roussos Legacy." He found immense joy in immersing himself in the culture, history, and beauty of Greece, creating unforgettable memories with his family. Whether it was a trip to the coast, a scenic drive, or an exciting getaway, Steve embraced every journey with enthusiasm. He especially loved trips to the beach, where he could relax, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the ocean. Traveling wasn’t just about the destination for Steve—it was about the experiences, the people he shared them with, and the memories that would last a lifetime. Steve was an avid history buff, and his love of learning extended to his faith. Even before he and Cindy were married, he began attending Mass with her and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Catholic Church. He became captivated by its rich traditions, studying its history, learning prayers, and reciting the Rosary. He found great joy in reading about the Saints and their stories of faith and perseverance. As his illness progressed, it was remarkable to witness his spiritual journey and unwavering trust in the Lord. When anyone asked about his faith, he would proudly and boldly declare, “I’m Catholic.” His devotion was an inspiration to those around him, a testament to his strength, and a source of great comfort in his final days. Steve was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, OR. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucinda (Cindy) Wurdinger-Ancell of Woodburn; son, Jason Wayne Ancell of Molalla; stepsons, Vincent Kelly and Christopher Kelly of Woodburn; father, Everett (Wayne) Ancell of Caldwell, ID; mother, Betty Jean Roussos of Burnaby, BC, Canada; stepfather, Tony Roussos of Burnaby, BC, Canada; sister, Stacy Brown (Ty) of Caldwell, ID; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carey Ancell, and stepmother, Kris Ancell. A Rosary will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church 1410 Pine St, SILVERTON, OR on Thursday March 6th at 10:30am. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow, at 11:00 a.m. with burial at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, SILVERTON luncheon following service. Funeral Arrangements by Simon Cornwell Colonial Chapel, Woodburn, OR. Contributions can be made to St. Paul Catholic Church. Steve will be remembered for his boundless love for his family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his passion for craftsmanship and the outdoors.

Tributes

Steven Wayne Ancell

August 22, 1961 - February 23, 2025