William E. Savage

We came together today, September 22, 2014 in the memory of Bill Savage to celebrate his life, rejoice in the surety of his salvation and to fellowship with the family during this time of sorrow and joy. We know Bill accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior many years ago. Bill was a very special man with a million-dollar smile, hampered by poor health in the last months of his life. I will not dwell on his afflictions, only to say that the Lord tested his faith and of his family as Bill lost the ability to enjoy those activities most of us take for granted. William Ernest was born to Ralph and Flora Savage on December 7, 1926 in Emmett, Idaho. He was the 7th of eight children. He grew up with two sisters and 5 brothers. This would serve him well when he became the father of seven. As a young man, he joined the Navy and moved to Compton, California. This is where he met and married his first of many wives, Betty Banks, in 1948. As part of this union, he gained three daughters, Wanda, Pauline, Sharon Ruth and Ruth Ann. Because they had three daughters, they thought they would try for a boy!! Well instead they had two more beautiful daughters; Billie Jean and Marylynn Marie. Unfortunately this marriage was not made in heaven and they were divorced. He then met and married, Claudette Moody in 1964 and got his only son, "Billy" Keith. Unfortunately the Lord took Claudette home to heaven in 1989. Finally he met his third wife, Mary Guiterrez and they were married on March 1, 1991. With this union he gained another beautiful daughter, Moana Florencia. He and Mary enjoyed more than 22 years of love and companionship. Bill retired after 30 years as a maintenance operator at Owens Illinois Glass Factory. After living in California most of his life, he and Mary briefly move to Las Vegas. He was not happy there because he couldn't get anything to grow in the heat. He talked Mary into moving to the place he so loved, Grants Pass. He was so happy with this decision because now he could go fishing and hunting with his nephews, plant fruit trees and have a vegetable garden in his own backyard. Mary always loved to make him laugh, once when they were out for a buffet dinner, she went to get her food, came back and sat down at a table with another man. He just watched and then waited to see her laugh. Another time while she was in the shower the Sparkletts man came to deliver water and Bill let him in. Well she came out of the bathroom stark naked and to her shocking surprise there was the water man. She screamed, the water man screamed and Bill couldn't stop laughing. Now for some memories and thoughts shared from family members... One of my favorite memories is when I played baseball and I sucked so bad. I would never give up and you would be there in the stands to watch me struggle through it. You always told me "never give up son"! In my last year of playing, while I was up to bat I looked up at you and I pointed to way in the outfield and I crushed it!! I got my one home run and you were so happy. Bill Keith I remember being young and seeing my cousins with their day, and wondering why I didn't have one like that. Now I know it's because the "best dad" was yet to come. I can't tell you how much I wish I could have picked my dad, because without a doubt I would have picked you! Mona He was the greatest man I ever knew, not perfect, but the Greatest!! The first memory that comes to me is "oatmeal". When I was young I would get up early just to help him make our oatmeal. After a while he let me stir. I learned all my cooking techniques from him. He helped me with my cross stitching that I was learning in Primary. Sometimes he was both mother and father to me. He has always been there for me. The most loving words I ever heard was the day he learned his 13 year old was pregnant. He said with tears in his eyes "oh baby, if I could go through this pain for you I would"! I love you daddy...until we meet again. Marylynn I couldn't have picked a better dad than you. Most of the time as I was growing up I remember that whatever you liked so did I. If you liked blue, so did I. I remember on my sixth birthday you came home from work and I was so excited to see you. You told me to go look in the back seat of the car because by present was there. It was a huge Panda Bear. This was the best gift ever and I cherished it. I am so thankful for your taking me to church and teaching me the Gospel. I'll love you forever and see you in Heaven! Dad, I hope you have a fish on the line! Billie Jean My fondest and saddest memory is a recent one. He was always happy when he knew his girls and Bob were coming to visit. He would always be smiling and looking forward to working with Bob in the yard and to what we were going to make him to eat. He loved Mary's salsa, Billie's chicken casserole and whatever dessert I put together. Then it was time to leave and you could not see his heart breaking. Until we can cook for you again dad. Ruthie I never felt like a stepchild. I always felt so loved. And dad thank you for your smiles and your laugh. Sharon I remember going fishing with Dad and spending all day on the boat, I was the only one that would get up at 4:30 am. The other girls were too lazy and I never caught any fish. Wanda Grandpa was such a man of few words, but I loved his smile and the way he said "love you baby"! Jamie Papa, thanks for your patience and teaching me to fish. Now we can fish together all the time. Robert Wayne My fondest memory was his smile and that he always opened his house for just about anyone. He was always there for us no matter what. Jean Carmae My sweetest memory was waking up on Sunday mornings and seeing him walk through the door with doughnuts, cause he knew how much we loved them. Papa taught me so much about life and being responsible and respecting others feelings. Teaching me that if you want something you have to work for it. Hope you catch a big one Pop! Jeremy Grandpa was a man of few words, but when he gave you that big beaming smile you knew you were loved. He would always let me rub his head cause he knew it comforted me...he had the softest hair. Thank you for taking me to get taquitos with extra quacamole sauce. Happy hunting grandpa! Wendy Thanks for letting me steal your truck while you were sleeping after a double shift. Thanks for letting me rewind my favorite song, "It's hard to be humble" 500 times on our trip from LA to Divided Wells, Oregon. Thanks for not ever giving me the "dumb ass" speech that I had heard about from my mom and aunts and instead spoiling me and making me feel like a princess. Thanks for being the best papa any girl could ever have. Rhonda We also wanted to mention how grateful he was for all the love and support, both he and Mary received from their nieces and nephews during his last months. He loved them so much.

Visitation Details

Sunday, September 21st, 2014 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Stephens Family Chapel

Service Information

Monday, September 22nd, 2014 11:00am, Stephens Family Chapel

Interment Details

Eagle Point National Cemetery