Lillie M. Buza

Lillie M. Buza, 90, passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2015, in Ivins, Utah, from natural causes, surrounded by family.

Lillie was born Nov. 17, 1924, in the small town of Dearborn, Missouri, to William and Mary Sellars. Both her parents died by the time she was 2. Their cherished aunt, Elizabeth Cline, raised Lillie and her four orphaned siblings.

As a teenager, Lillie thought she had arrived in paradise when she moved with her family to the big city of Portland, Oregon. Lillie was a real-life “Rosie the Riveter” and had many stories of working in the Portland shipyards during World War II. Lillie married Walter Buza and had two children. The family moved to Alaska in 1959 and eventually settled in Wasilla.

Lillie was very capable at a variety of jobs and was referred to often as “jack of all trades.” She had a knack for fixing almost everything she touched.

After her husband Walter was incapacitated by a stroke, Lillie cared for him while acting as sole proprietor of their business, Valley Woodworking. Lillie built and installed windows, often by herself. After Walter died, the business was sold. Lillie moved back to Portland in 1976.

Lillie came back to Alaska in 1983 to be a help to her daughter and family. Lillie immediately became involved in all phases of her daughter’s family business of apartment management. Over the years, Lillie became friends with many of the tenants.

Lillie was a hard worker and a caregiver by nature. She always sacrificed her own needs and desires to help someone else. She has been a selfless friend and family member to all who have been fortunate enough to have her in their lives.

Lillie was the last of her siblings to pass on.

Surviving are her son, John Buza, and his family of Ivins, Utah; daughter, Dianna Luffberry, and son-in-law, Randy, of Wasilla, and their family.

Lillie was a Christian woman who loved her Lord Jesus. Lillie is with her Lord now.

By Lillie’s request, a funeral service will not be held.

It would make Lillie happy to know her memory brings a smile to those who knew her well and that we carry on enjoying some of her favorite things; family, hot weather, and coffee — heavy on the creamer and sweetener!