Willa Rose Vanderford

Willa was born on January 19, 1929, in PeDee, Oregon, to Austin and Almeda Robertson. She grew up in Kuna, Idaho, alongside her older brother, Melvin, and her younger brother, Daryl. From an early age, Willa preferred working and playing outside to doing household chores. Given the choice between fresh air and housework, Willa knew exactly where she wanted to be—and who could blame her?

She graduated from Old Melba High School and, in 1946, married Herman Thacker. Together, they had three children: Janet, Alan, and David. Willa loved Idaho and was happy to raise her children on the farm. Farm life was not always easy, but Willa was strong, capable, and never afraid of hard work.

As a single mother, she worked many different jobs to provide for her children. She cared for a church, worked on an assembly line, and eventually completed her career as a lab technician at Simplot. Whatever the job required, Willa did it. She showed her family that strength does not always have to be loud. Sometimes, strength looks like simply getting up each morning, doing what needs to be done, and caring faithfully for the people you love.

In 1970, Willa married Chester Vanderford in Winnemucca, Nevada. Together, they shared a wonderful life filled with camping, hunting, fishing, and traveling. They owned lots in Cascade, Idaho, and took their fifth wheel there every year. Willa never lost her love for the outdoors. The little girl who would rather be outside than doing household chores grew into a woman who was happiest surrounded by family, fresh air, and the beauty of Idaho.

Willa loved her family deeply. She created special memories with her grandchildren—Tracy, Jerry, Lenore, Laura, Teresa, Teresa, Tabitha, David, Forrest, and Nicole. She played games with them, took them on trips, hosted sleepovers, and always made the effort to visit her children and grandchildren. She didn’t simply tell her family that she loved them; she showed them by being present.

And as the family continued to grow, so did Willa’s love. She treasured snuggling the little ones, holding their hands, and having them sit on her lap. No matter how big the family became, there always seemed to be room beside Grandma Willa—or on her lap.

Willa enjoyed playing games, knitting, crocheting, making beautiful bead banners, and reading. She knew how to keep both her hands and her mind busy. And if you played a game with her, you may have discovered that her sweet, gentle smile did not necessarily mean she planned to let you win.

One of Willa’s greatest gifts was the way she made people feel. You could talk to her without feeling judged. Her gentleness offered comfort and peace, especially to her grandchildren. Even if it had been a while since you had visited, she never made you feel guilty or unwelcome. There was no lecture and no keeping score—only that sweet smile, a gentle hand, and happiness that you were there.

That kind of love is rare. It is patient, forgiving, and steady. It allows people to come as they are and reminds them that they still belong. Willa gave that love freely to her family throughout her life.

We will miss so many things about her. We will miss her stories, her kindness, her quiet strength, and the way she made ordinary moments feel special. We will miss playing games with her, holding her hand, sitting beside her, and seeing her sweet smile. Most of all, we will miss the peace we felt simply being in her presence.

Although our hearts are heavy today, we can also be grateful. We are grateful for Willa’s long life, for the family she loved so deeply, and for the many memories she gave us. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives were made better by her love.

Willa showed us that a meaningful life is built through simple acts: working hard, showing up, listening without judgment, holding a child close, taking time to play a game, and always welcoming family home.

Willa will be greatly missed by all her family and loved ones. We already miss her sweet smile and the touch of her gentle hand. But the love she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

We love you, Willa. Thank you for your strength, your gentleness, your laughter, and the beautiful memories. Until we meet again, may you be surrounded by peace, love, and perhaps a perfect Idaho campsite—where the fishing is always good and nobody expects you to do the housework.