Doris Eileen Willis

Doris "Scotty" McFadden Willis, 79, passed away July 18, 2008 at her home. She was born September 16, 1928 the fourth child of Les and Alma McFadden in Tacoma, Washington. Doris attended various schools in Tacoma, including Lincoln High School. She was known as Scott or Scotty through her school and college days. She entered Washington State College in the fall of 1947 and there she met and married Jim Willis. The marriage ceremony was held in the home of Virginia French in Tacoma, Washington. As an independent woman, Doris had the word "obey" stricken from the marriage vows. Wedding announcements advised that the couple would be "at home at 501 Oak in Pullman." The irony was that 501 Oak was a real dump and few would be willing to admit that they would be at home there, (the apartments were attached to the Green Lantern dance hall). 501 had been a barbershop store front with a large full window and many students walking to and from the campus to the downtown movies would drop in to find refuge from the harsh winters of 48-49 and 49-50. Doris was early committed to turning her houses into homes. The first item of furniture the couple purchased was a sewing machine. While living in Pullman, Doris worked as a secretary in the office of the Dean of Economics. Later in Walla Walla, she was offered a position at the Ready Kilowatt electric utility on the condition that she gave up her pony tail hair do. She wouldn't cut her hair and they wouldn't hire her. Doris then went to work in the prosecuting attorneys office. She walked 17 blocks to work every day until two weeks before her first son Dan was born. Walking was an important element in her life and until just a few years ago she was walking 3 miles a day several days a week. In every location that the family lived Doris urged that the family walk. They walked to the grocery store, pizza parlor, dairy queen, nursery school or whatever. While living the nomadic life of corporation employees, Doris went on to make homes in Walla Walla, Bremerton, Eugene, Lewiston, Medford, Salem, Anchorage, Kirkland and Twin Falls. During the late 70's and early 80's it became popular in our culture to disparage homemaking as an occupation. Doris expressed dismay that her efforts seemed to be out of step with the women's movement. She became a fine cook, a skilled seamstress and a tasteful decorator of homes. She often made her own suits and clothing for her two boys. She held open houses for store staffs (with guest lists of 75) and after-concert get-togethers for bands Jim played in. (the hostess mode suited her very well) After the boys were out of the house, Doris and a buddy (Kay Sherbourn) took a shot at the hors d'oeuvres catering business, they stayed in business till Kay moved away. Doris was a member of The Magic Valley Symphony league and served there for many years. As an off shoot of that association she spent several years as the Symphony publicist. The publicist was a volunteer position in those days. She assisted in selling advertising, writing the copy and assembling the program book for the up coming years performances. The publicist also helps coordinate press material for the guest artists and their performances with the symphony. She also helped with the logistics required to host the artists. She is survived by her husband, Jim Willis, Twin Falls; sons, David Willis, Eugene, Oregon; Dan (Tina) Willis; two grand daughter, Katie and Sara Willis all who live in the Puget Sound area; brother, Ralph (Alice) McFadden, Layton, Utah and sister, Virginia French, Tacoma, Washington. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be given to Carma's Kids, an organization that helps aspiring young musicians with their musical skills, www.carmaskids.com or send contributions to Carma's Kids, Magic Valley Symphony, P.O. Box 1805, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303-1805 Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls.