Mavis Willson

Mavis (Jones) Willson was born at home near Bismarck, ND on April 20, 1930, to Roy and Marjorie Jones. She passed away at home on December 1, 2022 at the age of 92. The family moved to the Yakima Valley when she was 8 and there were many fond childhood memories of growing up with her brothers and sisters in a hardworking, loving family. Mavis had a passion for art, music, singing, and a love for animals her whole life. She belonged to the Old Time Fiddlers and the Toppenish Mural Society, contributing to many Mural-in-a-Day events. She also participated in western art shows and belonged to Studio 10 Art Gallery. Many of her paintings grace our walls today. Mom made our house a home and taught us the values of kindness and compassion. She enjoyed writing and receiving letters and was the family historian through words and photos. She always looked forward to the annual family campout, Mother’s Day at Fort Simcoe, music jams, Sunday drives, riding her horse Snuffy, the Mariners, and having family around her. She was the best mom a child could have and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. So many lives were touched by her random acts of kindness. Mavis is survived by her children Roy (Kathy) Willson and Sandra Willson of Yakima and David (Tia) Willson of Oracle, AZ, as well as a “self proclaimed son” Perry Skipton, who is convinced he was her favorite; and by her grandchildren Eric (Megan) Willson, Kristin (Ted) Hermann, Sara (Nate) Walbaum, Leann (Matthijs) Mullender, Matt (Brayde) Willson, Anna Willson, and Alex Willson. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, sister Lea Rowland of Zillah, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved. Mavis is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Lee Willson, her parents, and her siblings Hazel, Paul, Frances, Harvey, Harry, Ann, and Georgia and Steven who died shortly after birth. Many thanks to all of the friends and family who kept her in their prayers and thoughts. She is forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten. No service is planned per Mavis’ request. A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers take time to share memories of your own family experiences and history with those you love. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mavis Willson, please visit our flower store.