Willa Frances Maxwell Short passed away May 6, 2021. She was born April 28, 1923 to William and Myrtle Maxwell in Kimberly Idaho.
With her parents, and her brother, Stuart, Willa moved to Winthrop, WA in 1933, where her brother, Jack was born. Willa graduated from High School in Winthrop and later attended Eastern Washington College of Education (EWSU).
Moving to Pasco, Willa worked as a telephone operator. During this time, she met her future husband, Ira Short, who was in the Navy, at a dance. For many years, Willa and Ira lived on a small farm and Ira was a pressman for the local newspaper.
In 1962, the family, with their four children moved to Maple Valley. For years, Willa was the High School librarian, and later worked as a bookkeeper for NAPA Auto parts.
After Ira’s passing, Willa later married Walt Eggebraten. In their retirement years, they traveled Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and caravanned to Alaska and Arizona.
Willa never knew a stranger; she would always find a connection. Her hobbies included card playing, mainly pinochle, camping, fishing, Seahawks, Mariners, and socialising with family and friends.
Surviving Willa, are her four children, Marlene Mathena, William Short, Thea Nortness, Iva Warness and her husband, John, many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great-great children, numerous nieces and nephews, two sister-in-laws, and so many friends.
Graveside services will be held at Maple Valley-Hobart Cemetery, 252nd Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA on August 7, 2021 at 1 p.m., and there will be a gathering with refreshments, following the service, at Maple Valley Christian Church, 22659 Sweeney Rd SE, Maple Valley, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Willa’s name to your favorite charity.
