Willa Kolenda

Willa Pearl Dillon Kolenda, 63, of Glenns Ferry, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at the cemetery in Hazelton, Idaho, followed by a picnic.

Willa was born in Ainsworth, Neb., on April 22, 1945. She was raised and schooled in Springview, Neb.

"She loved playing the guitar with her dad, long drives in the country, and going fishing even though she didn't always fish," her family said. "She was an avid reader, a fan of science fiction. She had a love for life and she had joy and peace in the Lord.

"Her parting words to the remaining family were that she 'would see us in Heaven. This is goodbye to everyone and may God keep you all in the palm of His hand'."

Willa is survived by: an older brother, Jacob Dillon, Jr., and his wife, Billie; older sisters Ora Irene Meyers and Cora V. Dillon, five nieces and five nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jacob, and her mother, Irene, and a brother, Ronald Dillon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Willa's memory can be made to the Glenns Ferry VFW Lady's Auxiliary Cancer Fund, c/o 8204 E. John Parke Rd, King Hill, ID 83633.