Travis Wills

Travis Wills, age 87, of Mountlake Terrace, WA, passed away on March 12, 2025. He was born on April 16, 1937, in Longview, WA, and grew up in both Longview and Chehalis. In his early years, his family opened the Wills Ice Creamery in the VFW building in Longview, a cherished part of his childhood. Later, they returned to Chehalis, where Travis experienced the loss of his father to cancer when he was just 18 years old.

Travis attended college locally before transferring to Western Washington University, where he graduated with a degree in education. He continued his education by earning his Master’s of Education from Seattle University, a testament to his commitment to learning and his passion for teaching. It was at WWU where he met his future wife, Barbara. They married in 1961 and raised their family in Shoreline, WA, where they had two children: a son, Tod, born in 1963, and a daughter, Deanna, born in 1965. Travis was a dedicated 5th and 6th grade teacher before becoming an elementary school principal in the Shoreline School District, retiring in 1992 after a fulfilling career.

After retirement, Travis and Barbara embarked on a new chapter of their lives, spending many joyful summers on the water. Their boating adventures were a source of great happiness, and they made countless memories together, from watching sunsets on the water to spotting wildlife like orcas, seals, bears, and bald eagles. One of their most memorable trips was a journey to Alaska, where they navigated tricky waters and marveled at the natural beauty around them. These experiences, surrounded by nature’s tranquility, were some of the happiest of their lives.

Travis and Barbara shared a deep bond over these boating trips, and the time they spent together on the water was filled with laughter, love, and a shared appreciation for the peacefulness it brought. It was during these moments that their connection was most profound, and the memories from those trips remained dear to Travis, especially after Barbara’s passing.

After 59 years of marriage, Travis was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 2021. They had previously lost their son Tod in 1987 to an accident. Travis is survived by his daughter, Deanna Winchester, her husband Dave, and his beloved grandchildren, Kyle and Alex.

A graveside service for Travis will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Floral Hills Cemetery, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA 98036, followed by a reception inside the Chapel.