Carla Wills

Carla was born in Hillsdale, MI, on November 3rd, 1949. She graduated from Jonesville High School in 1967 and talked fondly of her classmates and friends. After working several years at Auto Owners Insurance, she accepted a position with the State of Michigan, where she enjoyed a successful 30-year career in information technology management. Carla enjoyed her work and always sought to teach and mentor. During her career, she also returned to school at Spring Arbor College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989.

In 1987, she met the love of her life and best friend, Gerard Wills, whom she married in 1992. Together, they bought a house and put down roots in Haslett, MI, where they lived for 30 years. Carla enjoyed spending time with Gerard, walking, reading, listening to music, sewing, quilting, and traveling. She especially treasured their trips to Nova Scotia and Anna Maria Island, where she enjoyed morning walks on the beach. She also relished spending time with her family and friends.

Carla is survived by her husband of 32 years, Gerard; sisters-in-law, Kristine (Miller) Swope and Carol Swope; daughter, Dianna (Troy) Roark; grandchildren, Tiffany (Mike) Wall, Benjamin (Brittany) Roark and Jerica (Matt) Nichols; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also, very special friends, whom she called her family; daughter, Wendy Stinnett; granddaughters, Kameko (Lucas) Stevens and Camilla; and grandson, Kagi (Peyton) Farrell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Virginia (May) Swope, and her brothers, Fred and Jim Swope.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 28th at 2pm, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Glendale Cemetery, 2500 Mount Hope Road, Okemos, Michigan.

Those desiring may make contributions in Carla’s memory to The Burcham Hills Foundation at https://www.burchamhills.com/our-foundation.