Willard Jess Higley

Malad….Willard Jess Higley, 86, of Samaria, and husband of Betty Kay Hughes Higley, passed away on December 31, 2009 in Monterey, California, while visiting his granddaughter. Willard was born July 14, 1923 in Lower Presto, Idaho near Firth. He was the son of Willis Dewey and Carrie Ann Hansen Higley. He grew up and attended school in the firth area. during W.W.II, Willard served in the U.S. Army as a Medic, and had been stationed in France, Germany and Japan. When he was discharged he was a highly decorated soldier. Following the war, he returned to Firth to farm with his father. During that time, he met and married Lorna J. Hale, and they were blessed with three children. Lorna passed away in 1969. Willard had worked at various endeavors through the years. They included a Laundromat-Dry cleaning business, a Vending machine business, auto-body repairman, farmer and for 18 years worked at the Tooele Army Depot. Willard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had served in various callings through the years. He married Betty Kay Hughes in 1985 and in 1992 they moved to Samaria where they had since resided. Willlard is survived by his wife Kay of Samaria; 1 son; David (Sally) Higley of Firth; 10 step children; Cindy (Steve) Ward of Malad; Vernal (Yui) Robbins; John (Danie) Law ; Dennis (Charlotte) Law; Jeanette (Kent) Singleton; Don (Linda) Law; Liz (Bruce) Stokes; Cynthia (Kent) Stanford; Charles (Debbie) Law and Kent (Lori) Law; one granddaughter; Reb (Casey) Grover and many step-grandchildren and step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Lorna, daughter; Julie; son: Jeff, and step son; Dennis Law. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 8, 2010 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 2nd Ward Chapel located at 20 S. 100 W. Friends may visit with the Higley family on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Horsley Funeral Home 132 W. 300 N. in Malad, and on Friday at the funeral home from 10:30-11:30 am. Burial will follow in the Samaria Cemetery, with Military rites accorded by the American Legion Ernest W. Jones Post # 65.