Willagene Wither

Willagene WitherWillagene Wither (77) of Auburn, passed away on 9/27/05 from cancer. Ms. Wither grew up in the Los Angeles area as the only child of a socially prominent family. Her father was managing editor of the Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, and her mother was the society editor for the Long Beach Press Telegram. "Wickie" as her family called her, attended Shirley Temple and Jane Withers' birthday parties when she was a girl and knew many of the "Old Hollywood" stars.Willagene attended both the University of Southern California and UCLA. While at USC, she was active in the Tri-Delta Sorority. In 1947, she married William Boyett, who became part of Jack Webb's stock company of actors in his many television shows. Mr. Boyett is best remembered in the role of Sgt. MacDonald on the series Adam 12.When her marriage ended in divorce, Willagene devoted herself to her career and taking care of others. She was one of the first women managers with Bank of America and was employed by Bank of America for over thirty years. At her retirement in the mid-80's, she was a loan officer at the Cerritos, California branch. She cared for her mother, Frances Wither, until her death in 1983.In 1985, Willagene moved to Auburn to live with her aunt, Helen Andre. She selflessly took care of Helen until her death in 1995. In her adopted community, Willagene actively supported the Higgins Fire Auxiliary and the Bear River Lioness Club. she thoroughly enjoyed her friends in "The Girls' Birthday Club" and being a regular at the Red Wagon Restaurant. Willagene loved movies, plays, and music, especially opera. Her favorite performer was Placido Domingo. She will always be remembered for her great personal style, sense of humor and determination never to be a burden to anyone.There will be no services at Willagene's request. She will be buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier beside her mother. Memorial contributions may be made to the Higgins Fire Auxiliary, Attn; Scholarship Fund, 10106 Combie Road, Auburn, CA 95602.