Willa Mae Rogers, 82, of Elma, Washington, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019, in McCleary, Washington.

Willa lived her life as an independent woman on the go. She loved to be busy and enjoyed outings to the casino as well as shopping and lunch with her good friends. Most of all she loved being “Nana” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Willa was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee June 24, 1935, to Clifford and Vera (Moore) Gibson. She lived in Tennessee until she was 14 and then was brought to Washington to live with her father. She graduated from Montesano High School in 1955. Willa married Glen Rogers in Seattle, Washington on Dec. 28, 1956. Willa’s career spanned 30 years with Pacific NW Bell, finally retiring from Century Link is 1993. She kept active and took a position at Elma High School as a detention monitor. She was beloved by all the students at the school. Willa loved spending time with people. She volunteered to feed the homeless at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, Washington a span of 15 years. One of her favorite past times was watching the Seattle Mariners play. She loved going to games and was always decked out in her Mariner fan gear. But Willa’s greatest passion was baby sitting her grand kids and great grand kids. They were her “pride and joy”.

Willa is survived by her daughters Jami Hanson (husband Ted) of Elma, Washington and Lisa Obser (husband George) of Atlanta, Georgia as well as son Dale Rogers of Aberdeen-Hoquiam, Washington. Other family members include grandchildren Aaron Hanson (wife Crissa) of Elma, Carlee Shelton (husband Cale) of McCleary, Rachelle Hanson of Seattle, Connor and Reese Obser of Atlanta, great-grandchildren Roman, Maximus and Gianna Hanson of Elma, Emersyn, Tanner and Quinn Shelton of McCleary.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the StayBeyond Inn and Suites located at 800 East Main Street, Elma, WA 98541.