Burrell “Bud” Willett

Burrell Martin Willett, known to family and friends as "Bud" a good man with a heart of gold crossed over to be with the Lord on January 10th, 2026, at the age of 83.

Bud was born July 18th, 1942, in Snoqualmie Washington. As a young teenager Bud worked milking cows and at Weyerhaeuser as a young adult to help support his family. Bud entered the Navy and served his country for four years. While in the Navy he met Joan Alice Tashjian. They moved to Modesto in 1968 where they raised their family and were married forty-seven and half years. Bud and Joan enjoyed traveling to visit family in Washington and took advantage of visiting the California coast any chance they could. Bud and Joan were very involved in their church serving the homeless and took part in various mission trips to Mexico.

Bud had a few hobbies over the years that involved a love for cars, bowling, playing cards, bingo and an occasional trip to the casino, fishing, traveling, and watching his grandchildren become amazing adults. Bud definitely had a servants heart as it showed in his willingness and desire to help others no matter the circumstance. Bud was a very caring person and would sacrifice joyfully to anyone in need. Bud blessed his family and friends any chance he could.

Bud remarried in 2013 to Valarie Kellogg and they were married for thirteen years and also lived in Modesto. Bud and Val had a wonderful relationship, and they enjoyed their time together playing cards, travelling and spending time with their family and grandkids.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife Joan Willett, sister Glenda Charbonneau, brother Larry Willett. Bud is survived by his wife Valarie Kellogg, sons Kevin Willett and Darin Willett (Shantel Willett), sister Bonnie Brady, brother Gary Willett, step-daughters Kris Kellogg, Kim Labarre, Rick Kellogg. Grandchildren, Bryan Willett (Sarah Willett), Ethan Willett, Madeleine Willett, Seth Willett, Hope Willett, Ella Willett. Step-Grandchildren, Erik Kellogg, Alex Kellogg, Logan Kellogg, Cameron Rel, Kyle Wigglesworth, Derek Falor.

A graveside service will be held at Burwood Cemetery at 28320 E River Rd. Escalon, California 95320 Friday, February 20th at 11:00AM, after the service lunch and a time to remember Bud with family and friends will be held at 4300 American Ave. Modesto California 95356 Calvary Chapel fellowship hall 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers the family would request any remembrance to be made as a donation to Calvary Chapel Mexico Missons. Please call the church office or make checks payable to Calvary Chapel Modesto Mexico Missions. Thank you!

Calvary Chapel Modesto

4300 American Ave.

Modesto, California 95356

209-545-5530