Evelyn "Nan" Willis
July 06, 2019
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Service Details
She was born Evelyn Margaret Willis, but she has been Nan to everyone for the last 43 years of her life. Her greatest passion in life was her family, by blood and by love.
She was born in Newark, NJ, and lost her parents at a very young age. She was placed in a Catholic orphanage with our Uncle Jackie, and stayed there until she was 12 when at which time she was adopted. She came to live in Nutley, NJ and then right outside of Baltimore, MD. She came back to live in NJ, and was there until relocating to Iowa in 1978.
Our mom had the biggest, purest, heart of anyone I've ever come to know in my life. We were never rich, but if someone was in need and she had it...they had it. It has always been who she was. And bless her little heart, she could give it to you if you were not doing right. The most beautiful, big hearted, full blooded, stubborn Irish woman you would ever have been lucky enough to meet. Mom was amazing with the best sense of humor, which we are lucky to have inherited.
Her happy place was playing bingo. She's played it since us children were old enough to know what bingo meant. I took her once a month to play, and that made her very happy. I know she's going to find her bingo palace in Heaven!
She was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Margaret Willis, her adoptive parents Mr and Mrs William Sullivan, and her brother Frederick Willis Jr.
She is survived by her children Patti Jones - Poland, Kevin Killmer and Pam Willis. Her 10 grandchildren Joseph Killmer, David (Rhiannon) Killmer, Tasha Killmer, Kenny Killmer, Kyle Killmer, Randy (Margo) Jones, Torbin (Steven) Cook - Stratton, Brandon Davies, Donny (Breanna) Rodriguez, Ian (Shawna) Fischer. 21 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren with 2 more on the way.
Family is family, whether by blood or love, and she was blessed with many members of family by both in her 92 years with us.
You were blessed with lots of love by many, Mom, and you will be missed by all of us. Give everyone in Heaven love from all of us as we know you earned your wings right here on earth before heading there.
Telisa Dawson Sanders
07/11/2019
So sorry to hear about Nan! I have fond memories of her as a child! She defined the word mom and grandma! May god and your family comfort you at this time!
Hope Kephart
07/10/2019
Nan was larger than life, making it difficult to believe that she is no longer here with us. Through the years she brought a firm hand, but always with a caring spirit. She was a good friend to our Mom up until the end and loved by our family for over 40 years. May they now embrace in heaven! We love you Nan.
Richard & Barb Greene
07/09/2019
Nan will never be forgotten because she made an impression while living on this earth. You always knew where you stood with Nan! We've been truly blessed by knowing Nan and her family. We will miss you Nan with all our heart. Love you Nan.
Scott Henderson
07/09/2019
Evelyn showed me kindness that was gentle, love that was pure. She had an otherworldly quality and style that was SO cool and impossible to copy. Words can't express the depth of her impact on my life. I couldn't fathom a world without her. Now that she's gone I am so forlorn. As bad as I feel, I can't imagine the scope of loss that Patti, Kevin, Joey, David and the rest of the family must be feeling; you are all in my prayers. I love you guys. RIP Dear Nan, love and miss you. Thank you for blessing me with the time you were here.
Steve & Xavier
07/09/2019
We only met her once, but we are impacted with the news of her passing. Such a wonderful spunky presence that made us feel so welcomed... God Bless Nan and all her family!
Tasha Killmer
07/08/2019
I'll never be able to show enough gratitude for all that you've shown me and for the strength you passed down to me. You taught me that love is truly unconditional through your unwavering dedication to your family & friends. Your legacy is a truly remarkable one and I promise it will also be everlasting.
Shawna Fischer
07/08/2019
Nan, we will always be thinking of the kind, caring, loving person we grew to know. You were an Angel on earth who blessed many peoples lifes and we will always remember the beautiful person you were. Kisses from all of us. Yell BINGO...
Pammy Ogg
07/08/2019
Praying for Gods comfort and guidance through the loss of Nan. She was an amazing lady, I was blessed to have known her. Much love.
Dennis Killmer
07/08/2019
Mom was a special person for sure. She took care of me in the 70's when no one else wanted me. I had been tossed about as a kid for most of my life, but she took me in and raised me like her own. I love her for that will be eternally grateful for what she has done for me, including giving me an awesome Brother and Sister... I will miss you Mom.... Patti and Kevin you know I love you two with all my heart and miss you guys dearly.... And I am here if you need anything...