Larry Eldridge Bussell

Larry Eldridge Bussell passed peacefully on May 26th after a brief illness, with family by his side.

Larry was born August 8, 1935, in Walla Walla. Except for a few years throughout his life, he grew up and then later farmed and raised his family in Touchet. Larry was the eldest of three children born to Eldridge " Red" Bussell and Eva Mae (Hanson) Bussell. His mother was one of twelve children and Larry enjoyed close relationships with his aunts, uncles, and all of his cousins.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Martha Lee Garbe in 1954. They raised a large family including five children and were married for sixty-six years before her passing in 2020.

Larry attended Touchet schools and graduated from Touchet High School in 1954. He was a dedicated supporter of the Touchet schools throughout his life. He served on both the local and state wide school board committees. Throughout the years he was active in numerous local groups including the Elks, Masons, Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers, and the Touchet-Gardena Lions club.

Larry always enjoyed a good party and a great laugh. He was often chosen as the MC for local activities and enjoyed being considered the "life of the party".

Larry was well traveled in his lifetime. He and Martha Lee visited Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Europe, Mexico, Canada and cruised through the Panama Canal. They traveled to 49 of the 50 states. He especially enjoyed the Oregon Coast, Hawaii, rafting on the Snake River and fishing in Alaska. Despite his adventures he was always anxious to return home to his beloved Gardena/ Touchet and the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Mountain Walla Walla valley.

He is survived and will be missed by his daughters, Lorene Gosney, Melanie Wilkinson, Sarah Bussell, and Darlene White (Wesley); six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Maxine Kempf; and brother, Eugene Bussell. He is joining his beloved wife, Martha Lee; son, Arthur; and granddaughter, Tara.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 10:00 am, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life at the Touchet-Gardena Lions Hall at 1:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Touchet- Gardena Lions club in Larry's name through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.