Marilyn Willis

WILLIS, MARILYN DAWN (WAGNER), Hart, MI. It is with great sadness the family of Marilyn Dawn Willis announce the passing of our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend at the Poppen Hospice Residence with her family by her side. Marilyn left this world on August 5, 2019, at the age of 87, following a valiant battle against the complications of diabetes and chronic renal disease. Marilyn was born October 18, 1931 in Hudsonville, Michigan as the only child of the late John Russel Wagner and Mildred Elizabeth Edson. Her love of farming (and radishes) started on the muck farm where she spent her early years. Although an only child, Marilyns family were among the earliest settlers to the Hudsonville area, and she grew up with the company of many Aunts and Uncles, cousins and friends. Along with many of her contemporaries, Marilyn grew up to be a lifelong fan of swing era music. Perhaps because she played saxophone in her high school and college marching bands, Boots Randolph and his Yakety Sax was a particular favorite. She also developed an eye for painting and decorative arts. After graduating from Western Michigan University, Marilyn taught as an elementary school teacher for five years. She married the late Joseph Grant Willis on September 15, 1954 at her parents home in Fruitport. Together, they acquired and operated The Berries blueberry farm in Nunica and Fruitport, Michigan for many years. They were a long-time seasonal employer in the area, and their television ads for their You Pick blueberries were seen across the region. To this day, its not unusual to for one of the Willis clan to come across someone who fondly remembers picking or holding a summer job at The Berries on Apple Dr in Nunica. Being a dedicated member of the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association (MBGA Member #10), the radish sandwiches Marilyn enjoyed as a child were displaced by a love of all things blueberry. Blueberry pies and treats were always a hit at family parties. When it came to bringing a gift or contributing to the festivities, blueberry themed calendars, knickknacks, or decorations were always a sure bet. Joe and Marilyn blended farm life with traveling to interesting places, often planning meet-ups with friends at a campsite. They spent many enjoyable winters in Florida (most recently St. James City) in the company of long-time friends, including a large number of fellow blueberry farmers. They worked hard, played hard, and created a life together modeled after their business motto: Its The Berries! Wherever Joe and Marilyn were, staying in touch with family was always a top priority. Marilyn readily moved to using a computer for farm operations, and became an early adopter of email. She later became an avid Facebook follower, checking in regularly on her Kindle tablet for updates and photos until her eyes failed. Marilyn was skilled at all forms of handicraft, and she was exacting in detail. If she caught an error, she was willing to undo many hours of progress and rework it until it was exactly right. She always had new projects to take on the roadmost often gifts for family members. In her own special way, she made sure to divide her time equally amongst all of her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. Each one has something lovingly made by hand from Grandma Willis. In this way, she lived out the words on the cherished sampler she stitched for daughter Cheryl: "When future eyes upon this dwell, think of the stitcher who wishes you well." Marilyn passed on her lifelong love of reading and learning to her three children. Barry, Cheri, and Bob were each gifted upon graduation an overflowing scrapbook of childhood school assignments and achievements. She took great pride knowing all of her children and grandchildren did well in school and earned college degrees. She was also pleased to see her love of crafting, music, and the arts extend through each of her children and grandchildren. In her later years, Marilyn enjoyed following college sports, especially cheering on Joes alma mater Michigan State University. She relished post-game calls with family to share her excitement after a big win. Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Rex) Cargill; sons, Barry (Joanne) Willis and Robert (Chris) Willis; 4 granddaughters, Lori Cargill, Lynn (Alex) Cunha, Sarah (Andy Savina) Willis & Johna Willis; great granddaughters, Gabriella & Camilla Cunha; many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2019, 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Clocks Sunset Celebrations with Pastor Dr. Donna Rick officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to Harbor Hospice Poppen House.