Willetta Vanderbilt

Willetta “Billie” Vanderbilt, of Manchester, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2008.  Billie was born June 19, 1919, in Big Lake, Skagit County, WA to Alton Gross and Annie (Stokes) Gross.  She grew up in Minter Creek, Pierce County and attended Elgin Grade School and Peninsula High School.  She moved to California in 1938 where she joined her two older sisters. She returned to Kitsap County in 1945, moving with her husband and children to Oklahoma in 1949.  In 1954 she returned to Manchester, Kitsap County, where she raised her family and resided the rest of her life. Billie was an avid horsewoman and a longtime member of the Kitsap Saddle Club.  In addition to raising and riding horses, she also enjoyed gardening, and exercising as a member of the Silver Sneakers health club.  She was also an active member of the Port Orchard Eagles #2338 since 1977 and a charter member of REAC the retired Eagles. She was an enthusiastic member of the Eagles Kitchen Band, participating in many local parades. Billie will be remembered for her cheerful, warm, loving nature and will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by son Michael (Vicki) Hoffman of Bainbridge Island, daughter Betty Hoffman of Sedro-Woolley, son Dan (Debbie) Clark of Olympia, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The family especially thanks Kathy Cole for the kind and loving care she provided Billie over the past few years. A celebration of Billie’s life will be held Saturday, October 4, 2008, at 2:30 pm at the Park Vista Retirement Apartments, Olympic Dining Room, Jackson and Lund Avenue, Port Orchard, Washington.  All of Billie’s friends are welcome. Memorial remembrances may be made to the Port Orchard Eagles, REAC Club, P.O. Box 565, Port Orchard, WA 98366.