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Honoring industry leaders

Memorial Scholarships & Grants

Special scholarships and grants managed by WAEF honor the visionary leaders and dedicated members that shaped the tree fruit industry. These award funds are established by family members, industry organizations, peers and friends of our former leaders.

Photograph of Wilbur and Frankie Adams

Wilbur Lee Adams, 1937-2018

Wilbur and Frankie (Hardy) Adams met as high school sweethearts and were married in their hometown of Lockney, Texas in the 1950s. They began their family and career in agriculture while in Texas before God called them to the Pacific Northwest.

In 1966, the couple and their two daughters, Sonja and Phyllis, moved to the Wenatchee Valley and purchased an apple orchard. This began a decades-long family business that involved husband and wife, children and grandchildren in the farming of apples.

Mr. Adams was a born farmer and active participant in Future Farmers of America/FFA and Young Farmers. He earned a Conservationist of the Year award for his early efforts in mulch mowing. Mrs. Adams was just as involved in the business driving truck during harvest and using the orchard to help her grandchildren learn about hard work and fun.

The couple had many hobbies from fishing to jam-making. They enjoyed time with their children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and shared a love of cheering on local and state sports teams. They supported the activities of their grandchildren attending each of their sporting and musical events.

They also shared a deep faith and commitment to their community. Mrs. Adams was a Children and Youth Ministry Leader for her church and later served in Senior Ministries. Her church outreach included organizing outings and making new members feel comfortable. She was also a volunteer with the Central Washington Hospital Guild where she frequently assisted in the hospital gift shop.

Mr. Adams was known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He was a devoted Lions Club member and volunteer for the Apple Blossom Pageant. Mr. Adams was also involved in their church as Sunday School teacher and deacon. When he spoke, his words were patient, careful and wise.

About this scholarship

Wilbur and Frankie’s family established this scholarship to assist students from the Wenatchee Valley and honor their parents/grandparents heritage in the tree fruit industry and community.

Establish a fund

A memorial that keeps working

Families, companies and colleagues have been establishing these funds with WAEF for more than thirty years. A memorial fund sends a student to school every year, in the name of someone who spent their life in this industry.