Emogene Helen Willoughby, 78 of Lockwood passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at Mee Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

She was born March 18, 1933, to Alice and Fred Roth in the adobe house known as "Snowberg" in Lockwood, Calif. She attended Lockwood Elementary and King City High schools. She married Charlie Willoughby on December 31, 1949, in the Lockwood Hall and moved into the house on the 160 acre ranch in Lockwood that Charlie had purchased a few years earlier. There they raised their 5 children, Tommy, Jimmy, Karen, Charlie Jr., and Sharon.

Emogene learned how to rope and ride in 1964 at the age of 31. She worked side-by-side with Charlie, helping build wire fences and roping calves and performing any duty necessary in the operation of a ranch. Emogene was frequently seen on her horse, Little Buck in the corrals and at local brandings. She was a strong supporter of her extended family and her many friends. Emogene's generosity was an inspiration and her love for others was contagious. She often sold raffle tickets for a good cause or baked banana nut bread and peanut brittle for the enjoyment of others. Emogene and Charlie barbequed for the Cattlemen's and Cattlewomen's ranch rodeos and dinners for several years. In 1999, Emogene and Charlie celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary and although Charlie died a few months later, Emogene continued to live on the ranch they built together.

She was honored in 1995 at the annual Monterey National horse show as the Vaquera of the Year. She was a member of the Monterey Cow Belles for 40 years and was honored as the 2006 Cowbelle Mother of the Year on May 10, 2006. On February 9, 2007 Emogene was selected as Cattlewoman of the Year by the Monterey County Cattlemen's Association. Emogene was genuinely respected, admired and appreciated by all who had the opportunity to know and work with her and to reap the benefits of her exceptional spirit and devotion to making a difference in her community and beyond.

Emogene is survived by her children, Tom Willoughby, Charlie Willoughby, Jimmy Willoughby and Karen Willoughby; 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Clarence, Milward, Ellis; sisters, Irene and Dorothy.

Emogene was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Eiserle; grandsons, Wade Willoughby and Travis Willoughby; brothers, Fred and Clyde; Sisters Virginia, Stella and Betty.

Those wishing to make a donation may donate to the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

FUNERAL SERVICES:

A Funeral Service was held, 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Mission San Antonio, Jolon, Calif.

A Celebration of her life was attended by all following the funeral service at the mission.