Helen Margaret Willard

Helen Margaret Willard, age 91, of Union, died June 16, 2014 at her home. At her request there will be no public services. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Org., 5005 LBJ Freeway #250, Dallas, Texas 75244. To sign the on-line guest book visit www.danielsknopp.com.

Helen was born on May 12, 1923, the daughter of George and Elsie (Imus) Gross in Ione, Oregon. She attended the first grade in Ione and then the family moved to Wallula, Washington, where she graduated from high school. In 1944 she enlisted in the United States Army and went to boot camp in Des Moines, Iowa. She would later go on to be stationed in New York, North Carolina and was discharged 22 months after enlistment in California. On November 14, 1946 she married Lloyd Long and they lived in Walla Walla, Hermiston and Union. During the 1950's she worked for Sweet's Meats in La Grande. He preceded her in death on November 4, 1960. After his death she and her young daughter moved to Wallula where she worked in her parents restaurant for four years. She and her daughter them moved to Union and on August 29, 1964 she married Roland Willard. She worked at the Union Market for over 20 years. She was a member of the High Valley Post VFW in Union. She loved to fish, carve wood and was quite the joke teller.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia "Patty" Lewis of Sutherlin, Oregon; granddaughter, Lacie Bond of Vernal, Utah; great grandchildren, Crystal Bullard, Britney Decker and Hayden Bond all of Utah; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded by husband, Roland Willard and brothers, Carroll Gross, Harold 'Fred' Gross and Robert Gross.

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