John C. Wilkinson

John Calvin Wilkinson, 88, of Tieton, passed away Monday, November 24th, 2014 at Cottage in the Meadow with his loving wife, Ruth, by his side. He was born April 10th, 1926 in Lead Hill, Arkansas to Jerry and Bertie (Jones) Wilkinson.

He was raised in Peel, Arkansas where he helped on the family farm cutting and hauling cedar posts. John married the love of his life, Virginia Ruth Yocham, on June 4th, 1944 in Monarch, Arkansas. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and served in Guam and Leyte Island. After discharge, he moved his family to Cowiche, WA. There he worked as the Supervisor of Strand Orchards. He considered The Strands part of his family and retired after 50 years.

All who knew him admired John’s work ethic, leadership, and integrity. Although he was a man of few words, it has been said, “John’s word was as good as gold.” He was as generous as he was humble, always giving and doing for others. John had a great sense of humor and was remembered by many for his light-hearted teasing.

He enjoyed farming, fishing, and hunting with family and close friends. John’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife of 70 years, Ruth. He loved to take her on Sunday drives around the Yakima Valley and overnight fishing trips throughout the Northwest. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death, by his parents, Jerry and Bertie Wilkinson, and two brothers, Hobert and Leon Wilkinson.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wilkinson, children, Wayne (Erin) Wilkinson, Sue (Jim) McCorkindale, Joan (Gail) Amos; grandchildren, Kent Wilkinson, Kelli Wilkinson, Troy Dixon, Ian McCorkindale, Heather Ivarsen, Amber Clinton, Brie Sund, and Haley Amos; 13 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren; siblings, Bell Brown, Ruth Hill, and Allen Wilkinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Ralph Strand Scholarship funds in John Wilkinson’s behalf in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staffs in ICU at Memorial Hospital and Cottage in the Meadow for their compassionate care on John.

Viewing will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be at West Hills Memorial Park.