Lillian Elizabeth Fullerton

LILLIAN ELIZABETH FULLERTONJune 29, 1929 ˜ April 15, 2025 Beloved Lillian Elizabeth (McDonough) Fullerton passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in the comfort of her own home in Vancouver, WA. Lillian was born on June 29, 1929, in San Francisco, CA to Ivan and Inez (Willits) McDonough. As a child, her family moved from San Francisco to Ruch, OR, so they could help manage the homestead farm of her paternal grandparents, James and Lillie (Smith) McDonough. Lillian attended Ruch Elementary School. At the time, it was only a two-room schoolhouse. In addition to farm chores, Lillian also worked at the nearby Sunnyside country store her two uncles owned. She liked to dip ice cream cones, pump gas, and slice cheese from the store's glass-covered cheese wheel. After graduating from Ashland High School, where she wrote for the school paper, Lillian worked as a telephone operator and a bank teller. In 1951 she married George S. Fullerton and they eventually settled in Vancouver, WA where four daughters were added to the family: Linda, Jill, and twins Candace and Christine. Lillian's college years started later in her life. She attended Clark College where she earned an AA degree in Dental Hygiene in 1972. She spent the next 28 years working as a dental hygienist. After retirement, she fulfilled a long-time goal by earning a BS degree in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University. Lillian was involved in many activities. She became a member of the Clark County Genealogy Society and volunteered as a library committee member and librarian. Her personal genealogy research led to several trips to Ireland where she connected with relatives in County Mayo. They arranged many family gatherings in the county, which included a visit to her paternal great grandfather's homestead where the family's country store and bakery once stood. Lillian also researched her Southern Oregon roots and confirmed family stories about her ancestors, who were early Oregon pioneers. One confirmed tale is how her maternal grandparents had worked hard to build a schoolhouse and establish a post office on their mountain homestead. When the post office approval was finally granted, they named it "Persist", since they persisted for over 10 years to get it approved. Lillian was also involved with the Vancouver USA Volkssporters walking club as a member, officer, and volunteer. She logged many miles in multiple states with friends and family. She was still taking short walks outside her home at the age of 90. Lillian was known as a great cook, gardener, seamstress, and hand-quilter. She was a consistent life cheerleader and enjoyed attending her children's and grandchildren's various sport, music, family, and school events. Lillian's will always be remembered as a very kind, involved, loving, and thoughtful mother as well as cherished friend. She had an easy laugh, a positive outlook, a warm and caring spirit, and a great sense of humor. She touched the lives of so many people during her 95 years and gave of herself in many ways. Lillian will be truly and greatly missed. Lillian is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Irene Hawkins. She is survived by her children Linda Rainwater, Jill Fullerton, Christine Fullerton, and Candace (Jeff) Spiro, and her grandchildren Sam (Jen) Spiro and Ellie (Mike) Jones. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clark County Genealogy Society in Vancouver, WA at (360) 750-5688.

Lillian Elizabeth Fullerton

June 29, 1929 - April 15, 2025