Willis Lee Miller

Willis Lee Miller, 68, of Royal City, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Willis was born on Nov. 25, 1940, in Yakima, Wash., to Ralph Arnold and Ivy Mae (House) Miller. He grew up in Yakima on his parents’ and grandparents’ farm. He attended West Valley High School in Yakima until he moved to Royal Slope in 1957 to open up some farm property with his father. He cleared the brush, leveled the land and began farming about 100 acres. Willis met Carol Hanley at the Royal Camp Grocery Store. They married on Sept. 24, 1961. Over the years they grew beans, corn, wheat and eventually alfalfa. He bought a hay truck along with his brother Dave and began selling and hauling hay all over the state. After his father’s death in 1976, Willis and Carol continued on at the farm. He worked the farm with Carol and his son Willie.

Willis joined district 11 as a volunteer fireman when it was formed in 1958. He was fire chief for 15 years and then became a fire commissioner, a position he held at the time of his death. He was a Royal City port commissioner, a member of the Hay Growers Association and Citizen of the Year in 1993. He was an award winning antique tractor collector, especially with Case, John Deere and Allis Chalmers tractors. He received great joy from entering tractor shows all over the Northwest, as well as showing his tractors in the local parades. He enjoyed riding his dirt bike and snowmobile. Willis loved telling a good long tale. Sometimes they were even true. He made friends easily and never met a stranger. Carol never knew who would be there for dinner or for breakfast in the morning. Willis will be remembered for his love of farming. Two hours on the farm with Willis would make anyone want to become a farmer. Willis was also a devout family man. He loved Carol’s cooking and having the family at the table to hear the next tale. He loved having his dog Jessie by his side. He will be missed by all.

Willis is survived by his wife, Carol, of Royal City, Son Willie (Stephanie) Miller of Royal City, daughters Gail (Mark) Costello of Renton, Wash., and Anita (Brent) Kosche of Seattle, a brother Dave Miller of Royal City, five grandchildren (Cierra, Makynlee, Molly, Houston and Brennan) and many nieces and nephews.

A time for final visitation has been set aside at Stevens Funeral Chapel in Othello on Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A celebration of Willis’ life will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Royal High School Gymnasium, Royal City. Burial will follow at Royal Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.

You are invited to sign the guest book and share a sentiment with the family at stevensfuneralchapel.com.