Lorrayne C. Wills

Lorrayne Wills, 94, peacefully slipped away in the early hours of Monday, March 14, 2016, at Bridgeview Care Center in Twin Falls.  She was an elegant, caring lady who lived her life with grace and dignity and never complained about the challenges life brought her. Lorrayne was born June 23, 1921.  She grew up on a cattle ranch at Dallas, South Dakota.  As a child, she endured the hardships of tornados, dust storms, cattle anthrax, and the Great Depression.  However, these events taught her the benefits of hard work, dedication, kindness, love of family and friends, and an unwavering trust in God. 

When Lorrayne was 17, a handsome young man named Lowell Wills took a liking to her.  Lowell was a hard-working but flamboyant fellow who had a penchant for fast and fancy cars of the time.  Naturally Lorrayne was quite taken by him as well and after a whirlwind courtship, they eloped and were married July 15, 1939. After Lowell’s mother died at a young age with six children, Lorrayne helped raise his younger sister Margaret (Vincent) and brother Ernie and always made them feel loved and special. 

After moving out West to Gooding, Idaho, in 1940, where Lowell owned and managed a farm implement business, Lowell and Lorrayne had four children – Bob, Ron, Carol, and 11 years later, Jocelyn.  Lorrayne was active in the Methodist church and helped raise funds for the new elementary school on Main Street in Gooding. In 1958, Lowell and Lorrayne moved their family to Twin Falls – a very difficult move for three teenagers and a three-year old.  Lorrayne worked at Iris Hales Dress Shop, Idaho Department Store, and later, the City Water Office.  In 1971 she received her real estate license and worked with Western Realty.  She particularly enjoyed helping young people buy their first home.
 

Lorrayne retired in 1990 to care for her aging parents and Lowell’s declining health.  In September 2000, Lowell passed away and, unbelievably, her oldest son Bobby passed away the same day from a blood clot to his heart.  Her second son Ron passed away eight months later.  Lorrayne handled the losses with grace but a portion of her heart was forever broken.  Surely there was a wonderful reunion in Heaven with her boys, husband, and parents.

Lorrayne moved to Alterra Assisted Living in 2002 where she was selected as “Ms. Alterra” complete with a tiara and a ride in a parade while in a convertible.Eventually she moved to Bridgeview Estates after a series of falls left her unable to live by herself.  Her family visited her often and took her to family events and when her health declined, held celebrations in the conference rooms at Bridgeview.  A special thank you to the staff of Bridgeview Care Center, who took such wonderful care of Lorrayne over the last several years.  She loved them all.  She never complained and was kind to everyone with a constant smile on her face.

She is survived by her daughters Carol (Vern) France of Gooding and Jocelyn (Tom) Shew of Meridian and her daughter-in-law Sheri (Bobby) Wills of Twin Falls.  Her 11 grandchildren include Allison (France) VanKomen (Monty); Jennifer (France) Burril (Troy); Jessica (Shew) Wood (Craig); Kendall Shew (Margo); J.C. Shew; Denise Cooksey (Ryan); Jeff Wills (Kathy); Julie (Wills) Price (Rob); Jamey Wills (Becca); Shaun Wills, and Shannon Wills.  In addition, Lorrayne’s legacy includes 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

Lorrayne was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; sons Bobby and Ron; her parents Bill and Agnes Wendell; brother, Buddy Wendell; and her beloved ragdoll kitties Duchess and Precious. 

Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home (2551 Kimberly Road).  A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday, March 18.  Those wishing to share their condolences may do so on Lorrayne’s memorial page at Magicvalleyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please extend an act of kindness to someone in need in honor of Lorrayne or make a donation to a charity of your choice.