Marilyn Ann Willis

MARILYN ANN WILLIS Marilyn Ann Willis, beloved by many, passed away peacefully at her home in Needles, California on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the age of 86. She was born on March 19, 1937 in Centralia, Illinois. Marilyn lived a full and rewarding life, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, kindness, and community service. She loved spending time with her family, friends and especially her grandchildren/great-grandchildren. Marilyn was a graduate of Needles High School class of 1955. She recently celebrated 67 years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, Robert Willis. They were wed at the Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas on June 9th, 1956. In high school Marilyn worked the ice cream counter at the Corner and Middle Drug stores in town. She then went on to work as an usher at the Needles Theater. She had a beautiful voice and often performed solos for local programs. After graduation Marilyn worked at the Needles Bank of America. She then worked at the Santa Fe Credit Union located in the El Garces building and went on to volunteer on the Credit Union Board for several years. She also worked as a receptionist at Marie's Beauty Salon. Marilyn was an active member of the community. Her passion for service led her to volunteer at the Needles Museum Thrift Store, where she devoted around twenty years of service from serving on the board of directors to bookkeeping. She was an attendee of Job's Daughters, earning the title of Queen of Jobies, where she cultivated bonds of friendship and support, contributing to the enriching sense of community that she cherished. She was president of DOES Drove 41 and enjoyed being part of the organization. As a devout attendee of the First Baptist Church, Marilyn faithfully lived her beliefs and received Jesus into her heart as a young girl. Marilyn enjoyed traveling, the beauty of nature, music, sewing and her homes in Duck Creek, Utah, and Williams, Arizona. She was an active team bowler with her late mother-in-law, Geneva Willis. Marilyn was an avid Mustang fan attending sporting events for her grandchildren and more recently her great-grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Mary Rollinson; and her dear sisters, Martha Burnau and Doris Chapin. Marilyn was a loving and devoted family woman who is survived by her loving husband, Robert Willis; her cherished daughters, Marianne (Keith) Jones and Donna (Chuck) Telles; grandchildren, Justin (Rhonda) Jones, Scott (Stephanie) Jones, Russell (Gaspy) Telles, Brent (Vanessa) Jones and Robyn (Terry) Gates; and her 13 great-grandchildren who filled her life with joy and laughter; along with her sister, Melinda Bacot. Marilyn's light will continue to shine in the countless hearts she touched. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her life, which served as a testament to the power of love, faith, wisdom and guidance she bestowed upon us.