Priscilla Marie Fadness

Priscilla Marie Fadness was born on a farm outside of Java, South Dakota, on November 29, 1931. She was the seventh of eight children born to Reinhold and Magdalena (Schock) Horst. After the death of her mother, her father married Ernestine Pressler, whom Priscilla always referred to as “Mom.”

Priscilla attended Java schools until her family moved to Glenham, South Dakota, right before her senior year of high school, where she graduated in 1950. Priscilla attended Northern State Teachers’ College in Aberdeen, SD, after graduation. In September 1950, she began teaching at Wayside School in Akaska, SD. The school was a one-room schoolhouse where Priscilla taught all students from first through eighth grade. In addition to teaching, Priscilla also had janitorial and maintenance duties at the school.

Priscilla married Leonard Fadness on October 21, 1952, in Selby, SD. They boarded a train shortly after their marriage and arrived in Walla Walla, where they decided to settle. Priscilla found work at Safeway as a grocery clerk, where she worked until their first child was born. Priscilla raised her family with lovingly packed lunches each day and wonderful home-cooked meals. She was a devoted grandmother who loved caring for her grandchildren and always looked forward to spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Priscilla and her friend, Violet Prine, were 4-H leaders for several years. They taught many girls how to sew, bake, and serve their community. Priscilla loved to do crafts and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, and quilling. She later became a fair judge with her friend, Orpha Oliver, and they would judge at both the Dayton and the Walla Walla Fairs each year.

Priscilla was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School to many children. She was always ready to volunteer and could often be found helping prepare a meal or bringing wonderful baked goods to a potluck. Priscilla loved the Lord, and her faith was present in every activity of her life.

Priscilla passed away on October 23, 2025, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Walla Walla, WA. She had recently been residing at Whitman Place, where she enjoyed daily visits with the staff who cared for her.

Priscilla is survived by her daughters, Marion (Mark) and Leann (Fred); grandchildren: Travis, Tara (Jared), and Sonya (Patrick); six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Priscilla was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents; her siblings: Albert Horst, Edna Voshall, Cora Sandmeier, Elenora Spiry, Viola Goetz, Alvin Horst, and Marcella “Sally” Sannes.

A family burial service will be held on Thursday, October 30, at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, College Place, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.