Obituary of Lavonne Willis

Lavonne was born to Henry and Henrietta (Schoon) Wolbrink on the Wolbrink family homestead near Harrison, South Dakota. She grew up on the farm with her 10 siblings. At the age of 10, her mother died making depression-era farm life even more challenging. In an effort to ease the burden, she and her younger sister Marge tried to convince their father to give away their older sister Florence. Despite their well thought out plan and elegant pleadings their father would not hear of it. After completing the eighth grade Lavonne stayed home to help rear her younger sisters. In November of 1959 Lavonne and her youngest sister Elaine moved to Oregon from South Dakota. Lavonne married Lloyd Sherman Willis in August of 1963. She enjoyed (at least most of the time) 30 adventurous years of marriage, until Lloyd's death in 1994. Lavonne was involved in the Ambassadors group at Central Presbyterian Church in the 1960's. After her marriage, she became very involved in antique automobile groups. She and Lloyd were founding members of the Old Time Car Club in the 1980's. She kept a hive of bees in her back yard for several years and knew more about antique car parts then most men. She loved buying and selling and at Picc-A-Dillys, garage sales and estate sales. She was proud of her many collections of antique glass. She lived in Eugene until a year ago when medical issues necessitated a move to a care facility in Springfield. Lavonne was famous for her good nature and her love of Ice cream and all things sweet. She had a wonderful 86th birthday. The next day she left us to rejoin her family members who were awaiting her in heaven. She is survived by her sisters Florence (the one she wanted to give away) and Marge (who also wanted to give away Florence), numerous nieces & nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be held at Musgrove Mortuary on Olive & 11th Avenue at 9am on Saturday June 22nd with a reception to follow, at the home of David & Melissa in Springfield. All are welcome. The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Gateway Assisted Living in Springfield for the loving care she received while residing with them.