Virletta "Buzz" Rita Williams

9/9/41 - 6/28/23

For as long as we can remember, Virletta went by her nickname, Buzz. Most people who knew her did not even know her given name..

Buzz was born on September 9, 1941, at St Elizabeth Hospital in Yakima. She lived her entire life in Washington and graduated from Wapato High School in 1959.

In November of 1959, she married Tony Masias and they had three daughters. When they divorced, Buzz raised her daughters to be strong and independent women.

Buzz spent over 35 years working at the hospital where she was born. It changed names many times but was always St Elizabeth's to her. She touched the lives of many people over the years working at the hospital. She began her time there in housekeeping and eventually became the lone employee in the linen department. She had a great smile that made everyone's day a little brighter. She always made time to chat with everyone she saw during her work day.

Walking was her passion and, even after a long day of work, she would walk four miles a day. She met and talked to many people along the way. Friends would always say, “I saw your Mom out walking”.

In her later life, she met Robert (Bob) Lewis. He was very special to her and an important part of her life until his passing in 2022.

As Laurie and Shannon moved out of the area, the bond that she had with her daughter Wendy and her youngest grandson, Garrett, grew stronger. They spent time together and made many memories over the years. Wendy held strong to the promise to keep Mom at home and be with her for her entire journey.

Buzz was preceded in death by her parents, Virl Smith and Gertrude Clements. and her brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Phyllis Smith.

She is survived by her daughters, Laurie Burton (John), Shannon Row (Chuck) and Wendy Hill. Her grandchildren; Brandon Row, Garrett Hill and Seth Burton; and her nephew and nieces.

We would like to give special thanks to her caregivers (Becke, Anna and Jessica). Also, to the very compassionate staff at Heartlinks (December, Nicole and Emily).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Williams family.