To tell you the Myers family story we need to go back nearly four decades to 1985. It was then that Clay Myers chose to settle in Ellensburg, Washington. He had just served for four years in the Army at Fort Lewis and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.  Here he decided to continue his path of public service and joined the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office that same year. He worked his way up within the department, serving as a jail guard, deputy, undersheriff, and finally, Sheriff. During that time he met his wife, Debbie, a native of Ellensburg, and they began their family.

Clay and Debbie have spent the last three decades raising three beautiful girls on their horse ranch outside of town. Debbie fills her days as a talented horsewoman and homemaker. She is continually working on their beautiful ranch and home, whether by painting, landscaping, or dreaming up their next improvement.

Their three daughters are graduates of Central Washington University and the two eldest girls have followed in their dad’s footsteps by enlisting in the Army. Lacey currently lives in Ellensburg as she obtains her master’s degree in Divinity to become a Chaplain. Jessica is currently stationed abroad in the Army and couldn’t be present for photos. Their youngest daughter, Jayme, also lives in Ellensburg. She is in her senior year at CWU and works at Critter Care. She was also the 2019 Cle Elum Roundup Queen.

I’m not sure that I have ever photographed a family more steeped in rural western values, or more devoted to public service than the Myers family. I met Clay for the first time at their Ellensburg family photo session on the Myers Ranch. Initially, his outward demeanor was quiet and gruff, as one would expect from an individual having served in public service their entire life. However, it wasn’t long until I witnessed the way he lights up around his wife and daughters.  It was then that the quiet, kind, and caring individual shone through.

In addition to his work as Sherriff, Clay serves on a number of boards in the community such as Ellensburg Rodeo’s Board of Directors. He is also running to retain his position at the Kittitas County Sheriff.  I had such a great time during out Ellensburg family photo session and I can’t thank the Myer’s family enough for trusting me to document such important photographs.