Denair

Willis Schell of Denair passed away on Tuesday, October 18 at home with his family at his side. He was born in Jefferson Island, Montana to Herman and Rosie Schell. In the mid 1940’s, he moved with his family to Delhi area. Willis attended Livingston High School and Modesto Junior College. He entered the US Air Force at the young age of 17 in 1950 serving until 1954. He later moved to San Francisco and started working for ATT/Pacific Bell Telephone to eventually transfer back to the valley and retired in 1989. Willis was a kind and generous man who enjoyed his family and friends. He never met a stranger and was a loyal friend to many. Willis was a charter member of Turlock Moose Lodge, member of the American Legion and Valley Roamers RV Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. Many will remember him for his often published letters in the Modesto Bee.
Willis is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Betty Schell; stepson Richard (Faye) Adcox of Wyoming, DE; siblings Carl (Carol) Schell, Anngean (Clyde) Schell-Hodge both of Delhi, Richard (Mamie) Schell of Paradise, CA, Rebecca Harry and Alice (Ellis) Chambliss both of Reno, NV and Wilma (Mitchell) Lovelace of Beaver Dam, AZ; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Devon Schell; stepdaughter Julie Adcox-Cardella; and sister Colleen Groesbeck; and granddaughter Brittney Cardella.
Arrangements were entrusted to Allen Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at Denair Community Center with a pot luck luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to United Samaritans, 220 S. Broadway, Turlock, Ca 95380 or Modesto Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 1203 Modesto, CA 95353.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com

Turlock Journal
Saturday, October 29, 2011