Lorraine Willis

Lorraine Celia Willis was a woman of incredible devotion. She was lovingly commited to her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother, and never held back when it came to making sure that everybody had what they needed and was well taken care of. Her strength was in her ability to nurture those around her, and she gracefully lived her life in the service of others.

Just as the seasons were changing to make way for winter in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Theodore Smith and Lauretta Timmer were making preparations of their own--awaiting the birth of their first and only child. Lorraine finally arrived on November 22, 1937, and was joyfully welcomed by her mother and father. The family started out living on Scribner, but the city of Grand Rapids was growing so quickly that they had to leave their house so that it could be torn down for the freeway to be built. Taking everything in stride, they relocated to Lafayette, and Lorraine began attending Turner Elementary, where she enjoyed her studies and her childhood friends.

Turning into a beautiful young woman while in high school, it's no surprise that Lorraine found love early on in her life. Glynn Willis played right tackle for the school football team, and quickly caught Lorraine's eye. He was one grade younger than she, but the two experienced love at first sight and never separated. They began their relationship when Lorraine was a sophomore, their first date being to a picture show. As the couple fell more deeply in love, it was clear that they would have a lifelong bond. Lorraine and Glynn were married September 1, 1956 at St. James Catholic Church just months after Glynn graduated high school. They enjoyed a romantic honeymoon at Glen Lake and looked forward to the years they would spend together.

Taking a job as a book keeper for a collection agency, Lorraine worked as hard as she could in everything she did. Glynn worked for the City of Grand Rapids, and the couple lived on Scribner to start out their married life. Given Lorraine's instinct to nurture those around her, it was only natural that she soon became a mother, as well. Charlie, Robert, and Wayne arrived all very close in age, and Lorraine and Glynn couldn't have been happier to have three beautiful sons. As a mother, Lorraine was much like a referee, always watching carefully to see that each of her children was taken care of, and stepping in to regulate their activities when necessary. She always seemed to zip the zipper all the way up to their chins, and couldn't help but be very involved in everything they did. She was a Den mother, active in Cub Scouts and regularly attended PTA meetings.

Lorraine made three square meals a day, and was famous for her impecable baking skills. Chocolate chip cookies were a family favorite, and Lorraine had an amazing array of Christmas cookies baked every year. Sunday dinners were also an important part of the week's routine, and often included Swiss steak. The family loved to spend time together, taking camping trips with a tent or their trailer at Diamond Lake. They always took two weeks a year to travel west or up north. Family was Lorraine's highest priority, and it was clear to everyone that she took pride in being a mother to her children.

When Lorraine took a moment for herself, she loved to spend her time singing. She shared her beautiful voice with others as a member of Mother Singers, which met once a month. She also worked in the kitchen at Grandville Public Schools for 18 years, never ceasing to care for children and nourish their appetites. Being the caregiver that she was, Lorraine moved in with her mother to care for her, always willing to lend a hand. When Glynn's health was poor, she cared for him up north, as well. She and Glynn sold their house in 1989 and moved to Baldwin, and Lorraine lived with her mother until 1991, caring for her the best she could.

Once in Baldwin, Lorraine became active in St. Ann's Lake County Senior Services, and even helped run the Peacock, MI Senior Services Program. She loved to crochet and knit all sort of things, but especially blankets and afgans. She also was an animal lover, and graciously cared for her dog Mitzie. She loved to feed the deer and squirrels that frequently visited her backyard. Puzzle books and crosswords were another one of her favorite things, and she could solve puzzles quickly with ease. Lorraine was quite a collector as well, and she even had her own craft barn that she sold some of her items out of.

In her later years, Lorraine felt blessed to have nine wonderful grandchildren, Korey, Matt, Lena, Krista, Jenna, Robert Jr., Michael, Jason, and Christopher. She was very close to her grandchildren, and loved to spoil them with goodies every chance she got. Lorraine was also delighted to have six great grandchildren, Brendan, Justin, Hayden, Susan, Emma, and Brielle. Her family was truly the joy in her life, and Lorraine never stopped giving all she had to see the people around her find happiness.

Sadly, Lorraine's health declined, and she passed away on October 2, 2008.

Lorraine will be remembered as a peaceful and selfless woman who gave her all to her family. She was devoted to her loved ones in a way most people rarely accomplish, and her family has certainly been fortunate to have had her in their lives. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Lorraine was able to nurture the light in each person she met, bringing out the best in everyone. She will be so deeply missed.

Lorraine is survived by her husband of 52 years, Glynn; sons, Charles (Marlene) Willis, Robert (Karen) Willis, and Wayne (Rose) Willis; grandchildren, Korey, Matt (Tarrah), Lena (Roy), Krista (Tim), Jenna (Kyle), Robert Jr. (Christina), Michael (Allison), Jason, and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Justin, Hayden, Susan, Emma, and Brielle; and cousin, Janet (Robert) Stace. Lorraine was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Smith, mother and step-father, Lauretta and Arthur Thurkettle; and a baby grand daughter. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may meet the family from 11 -1 PM. Memorial contribution to St. Ann’s Lake County Senior Services. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, a photo, or sign the guestbook if you are unable to attend.