Willa Corrine Lightner, age 79, of Oroville, died September 20, 2011 in Oroville. She was born October 7, 1931 to Everett W. and Caroline R. (Perry) Cleveland. Willa was proud to have been born on the family farm during a thunderstorm outside of Cresco, Iowa. Her father's health forced a move to Bagley, Minnesota where Willa grew up attending Bagley High School. In Willa's young adulthood during the late 1940's, she traveled the US working as a telephone operator and waitress. In 1951 she married a Navy man, Don Lightner, who took her home to the family wheat and cattle ranch at Valier, Montana where they raised their family. After Don's death, Willa moved to Washington state where she settled in Oroville, WA, working as a caregiver until her retirement. Books, Bingo, slot machines and computer games kept her and everyone around her entertained. Willa was a member of the Lutheran Church and the Oroville Senior Citizens.

SURVIVING RELATIVES

Children: Barbara Barass of Pennsylvania, Donna Soviskov of Grand Forks, BC, Javier Lightner of North Richland Hills, Texas, Racqueletta (Kelly) Welker of Vancouver, BC

Sisters: Rose Hanson of Minnesota and Priscilla Tracy of Vermont

Brother: John (Jack) of Minnesota

8 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by her husband Don Lightner, Parents Everett and Caroline Cleveland, Brother Thomas Cleveland, Sister Betty Harjo and Son Michael Lightner

SERVICES

At Willa's request, no services will be held.