Evelyn Willis

Evelyn B. Willis, age 98, of Columbus, NE, died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at St. Josephs Villa in David City, NE.

Evelyn was born October 9, l9l5 near Richland Center, WI. She graduated from Ithaca High school in 1933. She married Lester G. Willis on February 28, 1940. They were dairy farmers in Richland County until they moved to Julesburg, CO in 1951. Evelyn and Les owned and operated a commercial laundry until Lester's death in 1956. In 1961, Evelyn moved to Columbus, NE.

Evelyn worked as a cook and waitress in several local restaurants, including Deano's Diner. She retired from the Elks County Club at age 62. After retirement, she worked as a home health aide for many years.

Evelyn was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. She was a past member of The Naomi's and the Navy Mothers. She was active in VIP, a support group for visually impaired persons. She spent many hours at the Senior Citizens Center, visiting with friends and joining in activities. Before she lost most of her eyesight, Evelyn traveled extensively with friends and family. She loved to read and garden. Later, when she could no longer read books, she listened to books-on-tape.

She is survived by her son, John, and wife, Joan (Coufal) Willis, of Columbus, daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Willis-Heskew, and husband, Joe Heskew, Council Bluffs, IA, grandchildren, Jeff (Karen) Olson of Madison, WI, Renee' (Rick) Bohaty of Lincoln, NE, Nikole (Kurt) Sander of Lincoln, NE, and Derek Willis of Lincoln, great-grandchildren, Lindsay and Cierra Olson of Columbus, NE, and Chase and Zachary Olson of Madison, WI, Hailey Bohaty of Lincoln, Trenton and Madysen Sander of Lincoln, NE, great great grandson Jonah Olson of Columbus, sister-in-law, Helen Seitz of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and many other extended family members.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Lester G. Willis, parents, Charles and Iva (Locke) Grassman, brothers Ralph, Virgil, Robert, and Kenneth, and sister, Rena Mae.