Wilton Lee Ivie, 78, of Sweet Home passed away Monday. He was born in Grants Pass to Archie and Iola (Fields) Ivie. Wilton was one among five other brothers and one sister.

Wilton served his country in the United States Army and also in the National Guard, and was Honorably Discharged.

He married Kathleen Breckenridge and together they had four children.

For love of the woods, Wilton spent much of his life in the wood products industry. He was a logger, heavy equipment operator and mechanic. He also was a successful mill builder and operator. Later he became a road builder for 15 years with Eco-Systems Management and Resources in Rathdrum, Idaho.

In 2001, Wilton moved to Valley, Washington with his new wife, Annette Marroquin-Ivie, where he settled off grid, setting up his own private mill, and built a new home with logs from his own property.

In 2014, Wilton became a born-again Christian. He liked attending bible studies and was baptized during a Shield-Of-Faith Missionary Conference in Deer Park, Washington. His new found faith was a testimony to many friends and it changed the life of some. Wilton was a good man and a devoted husband. He worked hard and was respected.

Wilton is survived by his four children: Ken of Gants Pass, Laynette of Junction City, Sonia of Gants Pass, Patricia of Bend; step-daughters: Tralee of Albany, Cristianne of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister Doreen Rockwell of Merlin; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions can be made in his name to the American Parkinsons Disease Association.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com