Lillian J. Brooks Obituary (2024)

Lillian Brooks passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, in Ellensburg, WA. She was 97. Lillian Janell Literal was born on November 24, 1926, Thanksgiving morning, at her parents' house in Onalaska, WA. The fifth child of Harry and Theora (Bogar) Literal, she grew up with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Her siblings were her best friends, and they enjoyed playing horseshoes and baseball, hunting crawdads, and storytelling. Lillian often went by the nickname "Toots" given to her by her uncle and used by her many nieces and nephews. Having lived through The Great Depression and WWII, as well as growing up with farm animals, pets and many chores, Lillian learned what hard work was early on. Even so, she learned to play the accordion and the piano by ear, and enjoyed tap dancing and participating in choral groups, quartets, plays, talent shows, sports, school newspaper and cheerleading. Lillian worked in the principal's office through high school, and after, she worked at the local Farm Labor office and Darigold. She was awarded a scholarship to Western Washington State College (now Western Washington University) but started dating Jimmy Brooks when he came home on leave from the Navy. Shortly after, in the fall of 1946, she followed him to Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA (now Central Washington University). She married James E. Brooks before they started their sophomore year in September of 1947. Jimmy had the GI bill and a 33 Chevy to offer her. After a honeymoon in Victoria, B.C., they both worked two jobs and took extra credits to graduate early from Central. They lived at Kamola Hall as resident managers of the only married housing unit on campus. Lillian played field hockey and was a cheerleader. After wanting to be a teacher all her life, Lillian graduated in 1950 with a degree in elementary education. She first taught 2nd and 3rd grades in the Seattle Public School District while supporting Jim as he finished his master's degree at the University of Washington. She then taught 4th grade in Cheney, WA as Jim was teaching at Eastern Washington State College (now Eastern Washington University) and completing his doctorate also from UW. Daughters Carol, Marla, and Ronda were born in Cheney before moving to Portland where son Brian was born, as Jim continued his career moves. In 1961 they moved to Ellensburg, WA where Lillian became the first lady of Central, her fifth child Ken was born, and where they would happily live for the rest of their lives. She was a loving wife, who supported her husband in career and community and devoted much of her time and energy to raising their 5 children. It was a very busy time for her as the day-to-day manager of the family all while she carried out the duties of the first lady, hosting and entertaining administrators, dignitaries, faculty, foreign exchange students, and many boards of trustees to name a few, all with style and grace. In 1969 Jim and Lillian took all 5 children to Europe for a 2-month tour when Jim received a Danforth Grant. They traveled in a Volkswagen van, which they eventually drove from New York harbor back to Ellensburg after crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth II. As the kids grew older, there were various sports and educational and artistic pursuits, in addition to pets, horses, vacations, camping, and dinner every night at 6 pm. Over the years she and Jim hosted many extended family reunions affectionately known as "Shin Digs." Lillian volunteered as a Pink Lady at the hospital, was a member of Friday Club and PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and served on various boards and committees. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ellensburg for many years and supported extended family members as they made their way to Central or were in need. Lillian and Jim also supported many local charities. She led by example in the community with her quiet strength and humility. For fun, they both loved to dance, and belonged to the formal dance group "Rigadoon" for over 50 years. After the children were raised, Lillian went back to work in the Registrar's Office at Central from 1982-1994. In her final evaluation letter, her supervisor stated, "There aren't enough unused adjectives left to properly describe Lillian's job performance. Quality of work, talent of organization, attention to detail, job knowledge, and working relationships describe Lillian's work ethic. Everyone loves Lillian." Eventually Lillian and Jim's farm on the Yakima River came to life with a large garden, flowers, fruit trees, cows, hay and was the place of many family gatherings, where she enjoyed watching her amazing grandchildren play and grow. In addition, Jim and Lillian loved travelling and did so extensively to the Caribbean, Costa Rico, Panama Canal, New Zealand, Australia, Greece, China, Thailand, Canada, Hawaii, Europe, several cruises, and to their beloved time share in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They loved a family cabin on Hood Canal and they were lifelong fans of Central athletics, the Seahawks and the Huskies attending many games over the years. She also was a regular member of a swim group during this time. Lillian partnered with Jim in becoming important benefactors for Central. Together they helped fund the Friends of the CWU Brooks Library, the CWU Brooks Library Endowment, the Brooks Geography Endowment and the Brooks/Cutright Scholarship for Library Information Science students. Lillian's life's work and greatest accomplishment was supporting Jim and raising her family. She always worked hard behind the scenes while not seeking accolades and stood by Jim as he worked, ensuring their family had a good life. Jim would write her sweet poems and letters expressing his admiration of her love, care, and respect and appreciation for all she had done for him and their large family. Jim had said she was always strong, encouraging, helpful and supportive of him. They were proud of their steadfast marriage of 69 years and the closeness, fun, love, loyalty and across-the-board support and importance of family they cultivated. It was admired by all who knew them. Lillian was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great- grandmother and best friend. And, we would be remiss not to mention her well known, gorgeous bee hive hair which she maintained for decades. In her later life, she even had a Mocha, her coffee of choice, named after her ("The Lillian") at Jimmy B's coffee shop in the CWU Brooks Library. She enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends well into her highly celebrated later years. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband James Brooks, and her son-in-law Scott Patrick. She is survived by her children, Carol Findley (Rich) and former spouse Jerry (Jackie) Findley, Marla (Rick) Bailey, Ronda Patrick, Brian (Karen) Brooks, and Ken (Kristy) Brooks. Her grandchildren, Shawn (Carey) Findley, Tami (Scott) McBride, Jason (Sophie) Brooks, Ryan Buob (Rey), Rachel Buob, Ben Buob (Jasmin), Sarah Buob, Ethan Buob, Emma Buob, Brooks (Diana) Patrick, Bailee (Andrew) Longhorn, Tyler (Aly) Brooks, Riley Brooks (Claudia), Kelsey Brooks (Christian), Matt Brooks, Jamey Brooks and Lydia Brooks. Her great grandchildren, Elliott and Autumn Findley, Maisie and Holden Brooks, Lexi Patrick, Cal and Cooper Longhorn, and Michael Brooks as well as numerous nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Our family would like to thank Prestige Senior Living at Hearthstone management and staff, where she lived and was well cared for since 2016, and KVH Hospice for their wonderful support. As per Lillian's wishes, there will not be a public service. Donations in Lillian's honor can be made to the CWU Friends of the Brooks Library. Please make checks to the CWU Foundation and specify this established fund you want to contribute to. Mailing address is 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, or online https://www.cwu.edu/about/foundation/giving/index.php Cards and Condolences may be mailed to Lillian Brooks Family c/o Brookside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 577 Ellensburg, WA 98926