Jane C. Willis

NAME Jane C. Willis,Age 86, of Sandwich, formerly of Big Rock, passed away Wednesday evening, April 11, 2007, at the Willowcrest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich and is now reunited with her loving husband Kenton who laid a path for her to follow in 1993. BORN: She was born November 7, 1920, one of eight children, the daughter of Earl and Grace (Gallager) Wilkison in the family home on what is now south First St. EDUCATION: Jane grew up in Elburn and attended Elburn High School. She graduated Valedictorian with the class of 1937. Following graduation she worked in the kitchen at Carlson’s in Elburn for a time before she began working for the next twenty-six years in the shipping department at Anchor Brush. She retired when she hit sixty-two years old, but never stopped moving, making the most of her time with her family and friends. MARRIAGE On February 25, 1939 she was united in marriage to Kenton Willis. They made their home and their living on local farms for a time until they settled in Big Rock in 1947. They would spend the rest of their years together making memories until Ken’s passing in 1993. Following his death, she continued to make her home until her failing health found her moving once more into Willowcrest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich. MEMBERSHIPS She was a past member of the English Congregational Church in Big Rock and enjoyed dancing with Kenton in the Ocean Waves Square Dance Group, Lombard that sent them across the pond to England and Switzerland. LIFE NOT ES When the children were grown, Jane and Ken made many a memory on their trips to Texas and Hawaii. She was also an avid card player, spending every Thursday afternoon with her friends for many years, wind, rain or shine. SURVIVORS She now leaves her daughter Barbara (John) Ryan of Plano;One son Fred Willis of Big Rock, IL, and A granddaughter Brandie Willis and her daughter Jenessa Gosling of Sycamore, IL;One aunt, Ann Gliddon of Sugar Grove and a life-long family of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her loving husband Ken, seven siblings, and one grandson Michael P. Willis who preceded her in death.A memorial has been established in her name to benefit the Big Rock Emergency Services. Checks may be made to the "Jane Willis Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held following the visitation at 4:30 p.m.

Following cremation, a private family interment will follow at a later date.