Carolyn June Willis

Haysville - Carolyn June Willis, 70, passed away October 13, 2023 in Wichita, KS at Reed’s Cove Health and Rehab under hospice care.

Carolyn was born August 25, 1953 in Larned, KS, the eldest daughter of Robert J. Fox and Patricia Hammond Fox. She graduated from Kinsley High School in 1971, moved to Wichita, KS to attend cosmetology school and obtained her license. She also attended Emporia State University’s nursing program for 1.5 years.

As a longtime resident of Lebo, Carolyn spent many years working with and around youth. She provided daycare during her children’s younger years and played an active role in the Boy Scouts of America local troop. Later, she worked within the Lebo school system as a para professional. She connected with many students and teachers and was known for going above and beyond the job to help others.

On October 13, 1974, Carolyn married Dana Gillespie. Together, they had two children that they raised in Lebo, KS. They later divorced. She then married Chris Willis, who precedes her in death. Carolyn and Chris enjoyed many years of travel together, both locally and internationally. Chris was from England, and she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the culture, climate, and beaches of the United Kingdom while they shared a cottage there.

Carolyn was a very spiritual person and loved to share her faith and experiences. She was deeply sentimental and collected items of beauty that brought her great joy. Among her interests and fascinations, she collected cobalt glassware, butterflies, and fairy figurines. She was known to always have wind chimes nearby, and loved to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, birds, and chat with the neighbor. Her love of nature took many forms throughout her life including fishing, golfing, bird watching, gardening, and doing any type of yard work. Carolyn has passed on many great attributes to her daughter and granddaughters, including this love of all things nature.

Preceding Carolyn in death were her parents, Robert J. Fox and Pattricia Hammond Fox Young; two sons, Mahlin Charles Gillespie and infant son Charles Owen Gillespie; and a brother, Daniel R. Fox.

Survivors include: daughter, Natalie (Eduardo) Mora, Georgia; step son Christopher (Charlotte) Willis, England; four sisters, Shirley Hammeke, Larned, Rosalie Norris, Illinois, Nancy Bradford, Georgia, and Connie (Ronnie) Bell, Topeka; sister-in-law, Michaeline Fox, Pratt; five brothers, Jerry (Gail) Fox, Oklahoma, Thomas (Deanna) Fox, Missouri, Timothy (Nancy) Fox, Benton, Ted (Sheryl) Fox, Towanda, and John (Patty) Fox, Texas; two granddaughters, Emilia Mora and Carolina Mora: step-grandson Noah Willis, England; step father, Lewis Young, Larned; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Sat. November 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Benton Church, 14300 SW 20th St, Benton, KS 67017 under the direction of Pastor Justin Lefto. Memorials may be given to an organization of your choice in Carolyn’s name.