Genevieve Winona Willis

Genevieve W. Willis
Genevieve Winona Willis was born on September 9, 1925, to Lloyd and Sadie Case Merklin in Cheyenne County, Kansas. She must have been quite a surprise because brother Ross was eleven and brother Cecil was ten!!!
On July 27, 1944, Genevieve married her sweetheart Gilbert Lawson Willis in St. Francis, Kansas. In 1946 they welcomed their son James Leon; 1948 – Robert Alan; and in 1951 – Kathleen Winona. Gilbert and Genevieve spent most of their married life in or around Benkelman. They purchased their home in 1950 where Genevieve lived until she moved into the Hester Home due to her health. Her love of her husband was evident during all the years of his failing health and her ability to make the best of any situation.
Genevieve began working at the Benkelman Hospital where she was an amazing nurse’s aide. She was there 15 years and then began her 25 year career at the Hester Home. She was fondly called “Honey Bee” by the staff and was still called that in the final days she spent in the home. Genevieve was well known for her great sense of humor and her great nursing skills that so many talk about today.
Gilbert and Genevieve shared their love of country music by singing and playing guitars with all their friends. Genevieve also loved to sew. At a young age, she showed great ability at sewing and handiwork. Many people are enjoying the fruits of her labor with embroidered pillow cases and towels. Genevieve made many sets of dolls for sale and stuffed animals for her granddaughters. She made her two grandsons various buildings for their match box cars. Genevieve had the ability to look at something and cut out her own pattern and make it – her granddaughter always had costumes for the talent shows.
Genevieve passed away Friday evening, July 3rd, 2015, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. She was 89 years of age.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Sadie Merklin; brothers Ross and Cecil; son Jim and granddaughter Debra Willis.
Survivors include: Son: Bob Willis and wife Bonnie of Benkelman, Nebraska. Daughter: Kathy Smith and husband Jim of Wray, Colorado. Daughter-in-law: Connie Rose Willis of Benkelman, Nebraska. Her love was definitely her 8 granddaughters and 2 grandsons and 12 great-grandchildren.
Remember Genevieve in your daily lives, maybe when you are drying dishes with one of her towels or something that she had said or done that you still can laugh at!!
Graveside services for Genevieve will be held at 10:00 A.M. (MT), Tuesday, July 7th, 2015, at the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, Nebraska, with Lonnie Willis officiating. Visitation will be Monday afternoon, July 6th, 2015, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. (MT) at the Benkelman Community Building in Benkelman, Nebraska.
A memorial has been established to the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS