Rose Willis

All who knew Rose Willis would agree that there were so many things that made her an extraordinary woman. She was gentle and kind with a quiet strength that is to be admired. Rose was content in whatever life brought, a wife and mother who was totally focused on making sure that her family had everything they needed and more. She was born to nurture others and completely selfless even though her own life was anything but easy. Life came full circle for Rose with the birth of her first grandchild, Lucas, and she was so thrilled to become a grandmother. A true blessing in the lives of those around her, she will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

The 1960s were some of the most turbulent days in our nation’s history. Women’s rights and civil rights were making enormous strides, forever transforming the cultural fabric of our nation. We mourned the loss of President John F. Kennedy and were again shocked with the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. not long after. Nestled within this unprecedented time was the year 1961 that brought great joy to one young couple who was pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on July 4th. Rose Marie was the only child born to her parents, David and Doris (Schumaker) Overbeck, and was raised in the family home in the Belknap area in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her father worked as a machinist while her mother was an elevator operator. Rose was a calm and content baby who was also a great sleeper. As a student she attended St. Alphonsus Elementary and went on to West Catholic High School where she made friends with ease. She also played the guitar and got her first job at McDonald’s when she was 16 years old. Rose went on to graduate from high school in 1979.

Not to be forgotten during this time was her blossoming romance with the young man who stole her heart. It was while working at McDonald’s that Rose was invited to a party for fellow employees that she met Wayne Willis. She was less than impressed at first, but began dating Wayne after six months or so. Their first official date was to the 98 cent drive in movie theater where they saw Grease.

As a young woman Rose continued her education at Davenport College with a focus in general business studies, graduating in 1981. This was the same year that she became Mrs. Wayne Willis on June 6th at St. Alphonsus in Grand Rapids. After a honeymoon in the Poconos the couple spent their first year living at Apple Ridge. Rose worked at a doctor’s office while Wayne worked in construction. With dreams for the future they purchased a handyman’s special at 3814 Flamingo, SW where they made renovations and added on as their family grew. Together Rose and Wayne were blessed with three sons: Michael in 1982, Jason in 1985, and Christopher in 1987. As a wife and mother Rose was always focused on her family first and foremost. Wayne usually took care of disciplining, but the boys really knew they were in trouble when their mother needed to step in!

Life was full of adventure for the Willis family. They took vacations to places like Niagara Falls and Porcupine Falls, and they also went to amusement parks several times although Rose was never one for rides. Rose was an active part in the lives of her boys, never missing any of their sporting events. She was always the second loudest voice in the crowd - it was only Wayne who was louder. Christmas was a special time of year in Rose’s home as she loved decorating the house with lights. Her creative display was never the same as it seemed she changed something every year whether color, style, or placement of the lights. Rose’s family appreciated her cooking and were especially fond of her shepherd’s pie and tater tot casserole.

A bit later in life Rose went to the Grand Rapids Educational Center for training as a medical assistant from 1985 through 1986. With her training she worked as a laboratory technician at Butterworth from the mid-eighties to the mid-nineties. Rose put in extra hours when needed, which allowed her to have more money for presents. She always wanted Christmas and birthdays to be everything her sons wanted them to be. Rose had the perfect hiding spot for presents, too, or so she thought, as her boys always seemed to find them. Her caring spirit extended to her father when Rose cared for him as his health declined in 2001.

Throughout her life Rose enjoyed so many things. She liked to bowl and later in life took up scrapbooking and cross-stitch. Grease was her favorite movie of all time, and she enjoyed traveling with Wayne on business to places such as Denver and New York. With a love for Christmas and shopping, Rose loved going to Frankenmuth to find special treasures, rarely for herself but usually for others. She treasured the friendship she shared with her lifelong friend, Louisa, with whom she remained close even after she moved away. Rose loved pets, mainly cats, although she grew to love her dogs. The companionship of Bella, Bonnie, Clyde, and Sandi were important, and she especially enjoyed the visits from Sandi who came to the hospital to visit Rose on Sundays.

Facing health challenges became a way of life for Rose. She was hospitalized on a regular basis, which made it hard for her to get out. Rose also kept her sickness from her children for as long as she could, and her attitude remained positive as well. Her first respiratory episode was in 2005, which was scary and also limited her ability to function. Rose did what she could, however, and had a magical time with her husband on a trip to Hawaii that their boys provided them with in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. After a second episode in 2009 Rose was placed on constant oxygen. She was overjoyed when Lucas was born and was touched to see that he looked exactly like his father did.

A devoted wife, loving mother, and dear friend, Rose Willis made a significant impact in the lives of those around her. The memories she leaves behind will be forever cherished.

Rose Marie Willis, aged 51, of Wyoming passed away on July 18, 2012. She was preceded in death by her father, David Overbeck. Rose is survived by her husband of 31 years, Wayne; sons, Michael (Allison) Willis and their son, Lucas, Jason Willis, and Christopher (fiancee Angie Garvelink) Willis; mother, Doris Overbeck; brothers-in-law, Charles (Marlene) Willis and Robert (Karen) Willis and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 PM on Monday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 224 Carrier St. NE. Friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, with a Rosary at 7PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in her memory to the Immune Deficiency Foundation would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read her lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook.