Lloyd Willey

Lloyd L. Willey, 85, a hard worker who cared for his large family, left this world Sept. 15, 2017, to join his wife Mavis and son Curtis, who preceded him in death. Born Aug. 16, 1932, in Jamestown, ND, Lloyd is remembered by his family for his quiet strength and patience. Lloyd moved to the Yakima Valley in 1965 and worked for 30 years at R.I.C. Orchards. He worked hard earning a living, then worked hard when he arrived home at night – passing on a good work ethic. He cooked and cleaned – teaching his seven children to disregard gender stereotypes and to be partners in their marriages. He was slow to anger and often slow to speak – teaching his loved ones to choose their words carefully. An active partner with Mavis, he lovingly cared for his children when they were ill and cheered them up with good jokes (but mostly with really bad ones) – teaching them not only to find joy in their lives, but to make joy as well. He also gave his children the space they needed to embrace their individuality. Lloyd loved country music and played guitar in a band in his younger years and at the huge family reunions he enjoyed attending in North Dakota. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Toppenish, the Sons of Norway and Eagles, and enjoyed traveling with his wife after retiring. Although he recently lamented that he hadn’t done more with his children when they were kids, Lloyd left behind a strong, loving family as his lasting legacy. In addition to Curtis and Mavis, Lloyd was preceded in death by his twin sister Lorraine Scott, Esther Williams, Josephine Wirrenga, Ruby Clemens and brother Leroy Willey. He is survived by sisters Ruth Williams (Vern), Evelyn Steckler (Ed), Grace Priebe, brothers Don (Leone), Ernest (Ruth), Darwin (Theresa), children Barbara Burns (Don), Connie Ripley (Steve), LuAnn Miland (Stephen), Jon, Leon (Heidi), and Wendall (Lisa), 18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 29 at Faith Lutheran Church, 61800 US-97, Toppenish. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Faith Lutheran Church To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lloyd Willey, please visit our flower store.