Lilly Ann Wilson

The family moved to Yakima when Mom was 10 months old. She attended Ahtanum Grade School through the 8th Grade. She was an athlete who loved to play baseball. Rumor had it she was a very good shortstop with a strong, accurate throwing arm. Her athletic career was derailed by the depression as Lilly had to grow up quickly. Needing to help her family, she quit school at age 13 and started working full time in the hop fields and packing fruit. Eventually, she became a seamstress at Bailey's Manufacturing rising to a supervisor position. Later in life, in addition to being a daycare provider, she became a landlord with several rental properties.

Lilly was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, had a strong faith in God and made sure her daughters were raised with Christian values.

Lilly's first marriage, which ended in divorce, gave her, her daughters which she referred to as "angel feet". In 1956, Lilly reconnected with a childhood friend, Louis Eldon Wilson, and they married the following year. Eldon was a lifelong partner and Dad to the girls, supporting and loving them until his passing in 2006.

Lilly was talented, especially with a sewing machine, as she loved to quilt, sew, crochet, knit and gardening. The girls' clothes were made by Lilly's loving hands, most special were their matching Easter dresses. She loved to take walks, sit in the sun, camp with her family, and travel in their RV with her children and grandchildren. She especially looked forward to the Thormahlen family reunions, always a well attended gathering with great conversation, laughter and food (especially her mom's German cheese dumplings). Her friendly smile and sense of humor served her well throughout her life.

Lilly bought her home on Wilson Lane in 1946 and ultimately provided homes for her parents and herself. Lilly's family was her life. She cherished the frequent large family gatherings and took great pride in her daughters' accomplishments. She passed on to them the importance of being independent and responsible. Lilly's strength of character helped guide the girls and family and will leave a legacy for them to build on throughout their lives.

She is survived by her five daughters in Yakima: Bev Morgan-Jensen (Bob Patton) and children: Kim Morgan, Anson Morgan and Eamon Morgan (Justin Black); Debbie (Dennis) Buchert and children: Chantelle (Johnny) McKinney and Brian Buchert; Janice (Stan) Bernath and children: Matthew (Andrea) Bernath, Melissa (Rich) Lamb and Michelle Bernath (Jeremy Haskins); Gay (Spud) Edmondson and children: Sara (Andy) Rogers, Nathan (Deborah) Edmondson, Bradley Wilson Taylor and Laura Taylor; Marsha (Jerry) Robertson and children: Heath (Robin) Robertson and Haley (Cole) Boren. These 14 special grandchildren also gave her 26 wonderful Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Louie Thormahlen of Chehalis and sister, Evelyn Faas of Roseburg, Oregon.

Lilly was preceded in death by her father & mother; husband; 9 siblings Jacob, Elizabeth, Marie, Carsten, Elliott, Elsie, Jakey (Lilly's "best buddy"), Esther and Helen; and sons-in-law Gary Morgan and Gordon Jensen.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 25th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home with burial at West Hills Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m. To share a memory of Lilly visit, www.lepfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Living Care Summitview Health Care Center, (where Mom had resided since February 2016) and the supportive assistance from Yakima Memorial Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Memorial Hospice, Living Care Center or your favorite charity.

Recently, Mom was looking forward to "going home" to be with her many loved ones, which fulfilled Dad's plan to join him. Mom - we love you and will miss your love and support. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.