The Spanish Fork American Legion Auxiliary recently announced the Woman of the Year at a special monthly meeting. Doratha C. Willis was chosen as the Woman of the Year 2006 for the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68.

Willis has lived in Spanish Fork since the mid-1970's. She and her husband Thomas Joseph Willis Junior, (deceased) have two children, Nancy JoAnn Willis Mills of Virginia and Thomas Joseph Willis III. Willis also has six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary over 20 years ago. Her husband and his brother both served in World War II and her husband's father served in World War I.

Willis has been very involved in serving the community through her participation in the Auxiliary. She has had the opportunity to serve as President of the Auxiliary for 1 1/2 terms and as a second vice as well. Most recently she has served and worked with the Girls State organization.

"I love everything about Girls State," said Willis. "The girls are all so special. They are at the top of their class and are always so gung ho and excited to try out."

Willis helps to collect donations from all of the local businesses to assist the Girls State program which allows local students from the Spanish Fork and Salem area to attend and learn about the government and how it works.

"The local businesses are all so wonderful and generous," she said. "I am so pleased with them and for everything they do to help out Girls State."

Willis also serves in the community as a senior companion which she has done for the past fourteen years. She also works at the Family History Center located in Spanish Fork.

Willis was chosen for the award because of the great service that she gives to the Auxiliary.

"Doratha does a lot of special work within the Auxiliary," said Joyce Webb, Auxiliary President 2005/2006. "She is so diligent with Girls State and we wanted to acknowledge her for her service."

Willis was shocked to receive the award.

"I was very surprised and it was something that I definitely wasn't expecting," she said. "But I am so thrilled to have been chosen. It has been a great honor for me."