In Loving Memory

Riann Lee Wishon

Riann Lee Wishon, age 56, a 21-year resident of Edmonds, WA passed away on May 14, 2023 in Colville, WA. Riann was born on April 17, 1967 in Colville, WA the daughter of George Theodore Jr. and Nancy Lee (Hall) Wishon.

She was raised in Colville and was a 12-year graduate of Colville High School in 1985. Riann played Alto Saxophone in the Symphonic, Marching and Pep Bands while in high school. She was academically strong and honed her recall skills on the knowledge bowl team. Riann enjoyed her experience as a Paige on the floor of the House of Representative for Tom Bristow while in school. Following her graduation in 1985, Riann moved to Spokane, WA where she continued her education at Whitworth College. She graduated in 1989 from Whitworth with a Bachelor's degree in Business and a minor in history. Riann loved to work as a volunteer and was very active with the Circle K organization, where she served as Lt. Governor of the Inland Empire Division, 1988-1989 spending many hours helping at the local orphanage, traveling to conferences and creating lifelong friendships. After college, she moved to Kirkland, WA and began a career in accounting. Working in Kirkland for a couple of local businesses. She then relocated to Bothell for a short time before purchasing a home in Edmonds, WA in 2002. There she found her niche and made her home for the next 21 years. Riann worked for Sound Transit in the accounting department for 20+ years. In 2019, she began treatment for ovarian cancer and entered remission until 2022. Due to her decline in health, Riann retired and was able to return home to Colville where she could be surrounded by the love of her family.

Riann was an avid football fan from the age of five where she established the Star Spangle Banner as the "Football Song". She thrived in the Seattle area where she embraced the opportunities to have season tickets to all home Seahawk games and attended many Seattle Mariners games. Riann hosted tailgate work parties, tea parties from her home and evening gatherings of wine and hors d'oeuvres. She sampled the fruits many wineries but always favored Washington harvests. Riann was known for her cupcakes, shortbread, bunt cakes and her World-class scones. Summer days were often spent "setting sails" in the San Juans Islands. Throughout the year, she would take the occasional Ferryboat ride to Kingston, Anacortes or Whidbey Island just to ride the ferries. Spending time with her beloved cats (fur kiddos) whether it be her pets or cats that she was fostering, they brough joy and love to everyday life. Riann also visited many museums, Seattle Symphony Concerts, distant communities rich in history and other travels often. Her favorite trips were to notable footballs games, swim meets, livestock showing at fairs and milestone life events for her niece and nephews. She spoiled them with ice cream dinners with popcorn for dessert, and most of all, the outpouring of her abundant love for them. Friendships were made for a lifetime; family was her first love and a zest for life that was as vibrant and visible as her varied hair colorings. She was fierce, strong-willed, opinionated, beyond capable, competitive, competent and impeccable in memory. She was a life force of full momentum!

Riann volunteered and was gubernatorially recognized for her work with the Seattle Area Feline Rescue offering over 650 hours of time, heart, and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her father, G.T. Wishon Jr., and her brother-in-law, Gary Nielsen.

Riann is survived by her mother, Nancy Wishon of Colville, WA; sister, Ronda Nielsen of Colville, WA; brother, Ted Wishon III (Debi) of Colville, WA, niece and nephews; Erin Zawadzki, Ben Nielsen (Jenyne West), George Wishon, all of Colville, WA and Jacob Wishon of Hermiston, OR; great niece, Kendall, Alli and Lanie Zawadzki all of Colville, WA.

A memorial service for Riann Lee Wishon will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Colville Community Church. Riann will be placed to rest in a niche interment at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA. A time of visitation was held at the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville. Memorial contributions may be given to either the Seattle Area Feline Rescue, 14717 Aurora Ave. N. Shoreline, WA 98133 or the Paul G. Allen Research Center at Swedish Cancer Institute, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with the care, cremation and services for Riann Wishon.