Lucille Willson Obituary

Lucille Willson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at The Courtyard in Colfax. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Colfax. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Bill, in the Colfax Cemetery.

Lucille Rose Buri was born on August 8, 1927, in Colfax, Washington, to Mary and Paul Walter Buri. She was the second oldest of four children, growing up alongside her siblings Florence (Claassen), Dale, and Earl on the family farm on Shawnee Road. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, graduated from Colfax High School in 1945, and soon after began working as a teller at Sea First National Bank in Colfax.

A year later, Lucille—known affectionately to many as "Lucy"—met the love of her life, Bill Willson, through mutual friends. They were married on June 26, 1947, at the Onecho Bible Church south of Colfax and made their home on the Willson family farm on Green Hollow Road. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, hospitality, and love, raising three children: Diane, Craig, and Lisa.

Lucille poured her heart into caring for her family and community. She was known for her wonderful meals—especially during harvest—her raspberry picking, vegetable gardening, and the countless hours spent canning, freezing, and pickling. Flowers were another great joy, and her gardens reflected the care she gave to all living things. She cherished time with friends and was an active member of the Green Hollow Club and the Philathea Club.

Saturday nights were often filled with laughter as friends gathered for canasta, pinochle, and many spirited games of Scrabble. Lucille and Bill also enjoyed traveling together, often following their daughter Lisa as she pursued her music career.

Music was one of Lucille's lifelong passions. She played the piano, sang in the church choir, encouraged her children's musical pursuits, and held a deep love for opera. Her high school annual once declared Lucille Buri "the next great opera singer of our time," a title she wore with grace and humility. She faithfully listened to Lawrence Welk, cheered for the WSU Cougars and Gonzaga basketball, and was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church, where she served on the floral committee alongside fellow members Iris, Violet, and Fern.

Lucille is survived by her children: Diane (Gary) Monson of Dusty; Craig (Kristina) Willson of Colfax; and Lisa (Ian) DeNolfo of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; ten grandchildren: Jason, Kent, Grant, Eric, Andrea, Amanda, Morgan, Landon, Joseph, and Alexander; ten great-grandchildren: Cadence, Garin, Payson, Peyton, Blakely, Kassidi, Emily, Kirsten, Angeline, and Adessa; and her brother, Earl Buri of Spokane. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2005, her brother Dale Buri, and her sister Florence Claassen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Cemetery in Steptoe or to the First Baptist Church Missions Fund. An online guest book is available at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com (http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com/).