Yvonne Doak Wilbur

Our Mom, Yvonne (Doak) Wilbur, 81, widow of George Wilbur, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2014, following a short illness. Mom was born in Burlington, WA on December 15, 1932. Her family moved to Ellensburg, WA when she was very young. She graduated Ellensburg High School in 1950. Growing up in Ellensburg made her a cowgirl at heart and a bit of city slicker as well. After graduation, Mom moved to Richland, WA, where she became an assistant at the Hanford Site. She married the love of her life, George Wilbur in 1953. Together they moved to Yakima in 1959. They built the first Tri-Level House in Yakima, affectionately called the Yellow House, which they lived in for over 55 years. Mom was a pre-school teacher at the Presbyterian Church for many years. She always had a great story about the kids in her class. Mom was a very active member in the Yakima community. Here are a few clubs Mom was involved in: Women's Century Club, Pace Setters, Yakima Historical Society, Yakima Valley Trolley, American Cancer Society Discovery Shop (Mom is a breast cancer survivor), Red Hat Club and of course Yakima Valley Museum. She held many offices within those clubs. Mom was also awarded the Golden Acorn for all the volunteering she did at Gilbert Elementary School. Another great honor happened in 2010, Mom was elected as the Grand Marshal in the Sunfair Parade. That was quite exciting for Mom, her family and friends who came to watch the parade. Mom and Dad had many adventures throughout their lives. They traveled the U.S. and the world together. They would fondly share experiences by giving talks at many clubs in Yakima. Mom enjoyed spreading her knowledge and love for the Oregon Trail. She spoke to many clubs and schools in the Yakima Valley about the trail's history and Lewis & Clark's expedition. Mom just loved contributing and promoting all things Yakima. She was very proud of where she was from, and a true Yakima Historian. In 2013, Mom moved to Parker, CO to be closer to her youngest daughter. She met many new friends, was a snuggle buddy for her four legged grandchildren Oreo & Yo-Yo, became a Bingo shark, attended many choir concerts and plays that her granddaughter Rachel performed at Chaparral High School. And was a proud member of Chaparral's Patrons of the Performing Arts. We here in Colorado feel so fortunate and blessed to have shared this time with Mom. Mom has touched so many lives. Here are her immediate loved ones: She is survived by son, Scott (Michele) Wilbur; daughters, Candace (Bill Suchland) Wilbur and Holly (Peter Hamalian) Wilbur; adopted son in spirit, Jim Martin; grandchildren, Samantha Suchland, Kyle Suchland, Rachel Hamalian, and Rebecca Wilbur; siblings Ramona (Doak) McArthur, Harley Doak, and Rodeo Roy Doak. She is preceded in death by her parents Elma and Edward Doak, her brother Donald Doak, and sweet granddaughter, Carly Suchland. Yvonne (aka Grammie), will be dearly missed by family and friends, we loved her so much. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yakima Valley Museum. Cards may be sent to Holly Hamalian, 10133 Flagstone Way, Parker, CO 80134.