Marcella Joyce Orrison

Marcella Joyce Jo, beloved wife of Richard Kemp Dick Orrison, was born in Sioux City, Iowa on August 13, 1923. She was the oldest daughter of Calvin T. Layson and Ruth Ann Cleveland. Her younger sister, Phyllis Irene Kent, resides in Sun City West AZ; her brother, Donald Calvin Layson, resides in Issaquah, WA. Jo was the proud grandmother grandma of Morgan and Ryan. Jo grew up in Bonesteel, Iowa. She was an outstanding student at Bonesteel High School. She played clarinet in the school orchestra and was in the marching band. Like many others, Jo and her family moved west during the Great Depression. They relocated to Seattle, WA in 1942 where she met the love of her life, Dick during a USO dance at Sand Point Naval Air Station. Jo and Dick were married on November 12, 1942. During World War II mom worked at Todd Shipyards in Seattle, while dad was stationed aboard a destroyer in the South Pacific. After the war Jo and Dick settled in Seattle. Richard, their oldest son was born in 1950. John, the youngest son was born in 1953. Jo and Dick moved to Mountlake Terrace, WA in 1959, where dad owned a caf, then the Plaza Tavern. Mom and dad were devoted to each other, and their children. Although mom could be stern, there was never a doubt she loved us with all her heart. I cant imagine any parent who devoted more time and energy to her children, from Little League through adulthood; Jo (and Dick) were always a major part of their childrens lives. Mom and dad purchased property in the Teanaway Valley, east of Cle Elum in 1959. They built a cabin by the river and spent many of the happiest years of theirs lives enjoying family, horses, motorbikes, and all the pleasures of the outdoors. What a wonde place away from home, school and business for a child to enjoy childhood, and grow into young adults. We will always be grateful. Mom and dad discovered golf in their fifties and for the next 30 years had the time of their lives golfing with family and friends. Mom and dad were married 57 years. If ever there were two soul mates, it was Jo and Dick. Through good times and bad, they remained devoted to each other. When Dick died, the light her life dimmed. Although mom courageously carried on, she was never the same. Her oldest son Richard cared for her in the last years of her life, giving her the blessing of knowing she was always with the ones who loved her dearly. Mom, your sons, grandchildren, brother, sister, nieces and nephews will miss you always. I know that dad has your golf reservations ready in Heaven. Love, John and Rich.