Willis Arden Sheets

Willis Arden Sheets, a pioneering horticulturist, devoted family man, and community leader, passed peacefully in his sleep on October 8, 2025, at the age of 94, entering the arms of his Lord and reuniting with his cherished wife, Connie J. Sheets. Arden maintained vibrant health and an infectious cheerfulness until his final days. Just weeks before his passing, in mid-August, he enthusiastically hosted a long-awaited reunion of his children and grandchildren at the Cornell Estates Retirement Center, where he had resided contentedly for 15 years.

Arden was a pillar of unwavering devotion to Connie J. Sheets, who also lived at Cornell Estates until health challenges necessitated her transfer to another facility. Undeterred, he visited her faithfully for 673 consecutive days until her death in 2019. The family takes solace in the belief that they are joyfully together once more.

Born on February 17, 1931, in Topeka, Kansas, to George and Mary Harrison Sheets, Arden grew up in Burlington, Kansas, graduating high school there before attending Kansas State University. He earned a B.S. in pomology in 1952 and, through ROTC, received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, he undertook temporary duties in England and Morocco. After active service, he continued in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel in 1991.

In 1953, Arden married Connie DuBois of Agra, Kansas, in the picturesque Danforth Chapel on the Kansas State University campus. Following his discharge, the couple relocated to Vancouver, Washington, where Arden launched his distinguished career in horticulture at Washington State University's Southwest Washington Research Unit.

In 1959, he joined the newly established North Willamette Experiment Station (NWES) at Aurora, Oregon, part of the Oregon State University (OSU) system. There, Arden spearheaded the station's first berry crop plantings and conducted groundbreaking experimental research on berries, table grapes, tree fruits, hazelnuts, and vegetable crops over 17 years. His in-depth studies on the Marionberry-covering fertilizer needs, optimal plant spacing, and trellis training timing-formed the foundation of his 1968 M.S. thesis from OSU. He also innovated the Alternate-Year (A-Y) blackberry production system, now a staple in commercial operations. During his tenure, key varieties released included the Hood and Benton strawberries, Canby and Fairview red raspberries, and Aurora blackberry.

Transitioning in 1976 to extension services, Arden served as Agricultural Extension Agent in Washington County, Oregon, focusing on berry and grape growers while generously assisting home gardeners. Appointed Staff Chairman in 1980, he held the role until his retirement in 1992. For 13 years, he instructed the berry and grape curriculum for Oregon's Master Gardener program, from Astoria to The Dalles and Salem. He judged Future Farmers of America vegetable displays at the Oregon State Fair for over 30 years and 4-H fruit and vegetable entries at the Washington County Fair for many years.

Arden's civic contributions were profound. He served on the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and its long-standing Agriculture/Forestry Committee, organizing its acclaimed annual tour for 30 years. He chaired the Leadership Hillsboro Board and the Beautification Committee, which orchestrated extensive daffodil plantings along Sunset Highway north of Hillsboro.

His accolades reflect a lifetime of service: the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Oregon Agriculturist of the Year from the Oregon Agri-Business Council, the Robert R. Herb Leadership Award, the President's Award from the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, and the Emma C. McKinney Distinguished Citizen Award.

A dedicated steward of the Tualatin Valley Garden Club, Arden held roles as President and Secretary, contributing to pruning demonstrations, the Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden, annual plant sales, and downtown Hillsboro's planter beds. He co-founded the Hillsboro Farmers Market in 1983 and sold produce from his cherished "Arden's Gardens" there annually-later joined by his son Brady.

Post-retirement, Arden volunteered with Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), traveling to Egypt to aid grape and apple growers in the Nile Delta and to the Republic of Moldova to guide tree fruit producers.

At Hillsboro United Methodist Church, a longtime member, he served on the Board of Trustees, chaired the Administrative Council, and facilitated "Great Decisions" discussion groups.

Arden is survived by his sons, Brady (Patricia) Sheets of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Robert "Rusty" (Ellen) Sheets of Herndon, Virginia; grandchildren Krista Brown (Joseph) and their sons Tash and Oshad of Canby, Oregon, Brendan Sheets of Ashburn, Virginia, and Molly Sheets of Brooklyn, New York; and sister Jean Carson of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.