Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Kathleen Weddle Sizer of Granger, Washington, who were nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS).

Kathy joined YVGS in 1975 and served the public coffee at Indian John Hill Rest Area on I-90 in fundraising.  She has been a librarian since the 1980s and served as vice-president, president, secretary and currently as treasurer of the society. She is also a jack-of-all-trades volunteering in hospitality, yard sales, mowing the lawn, helping clean the library and the past two years has been on the bylaws and standing rules committee updating the society’s rules to match the new State regulations.

Kathy is the current president of WSGS. She has also served WSGS as membership chair since 2017 and past secretary. 

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.

Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2023 award recipients and learn why they received the 2023 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing Linda Swank Lantis of Yakima, Washington, who was nominated by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society (YVGS).

In 2005, Linda became a member of YVGS and has been an invaluable member ever since.

A semi-annual yard sale is the library’s primary fundraiser and Linda organizes the donated items along with Patricia Hert.  Linda schedules volunteer workers and the food donated during the week for the workers.  During Covid, Linda and Patricia kept the grounds around the library presentable by mowing the lawn, pulling and spraying weeds.

Linda served as past secretary of YVGS and has been an active librarian. This past spring, because of her experience, workmanship and excellent leadership, Linda was elected head librarian delegating librarians, training and keeping up with the abundance of donated books in a timely manner.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.