Mary Margaret Baker Willis

Mary Margaret Baker Willis, 90, of Gallipolis, OH, passed away at Holzer Senior Care Nursing Home in Bidwell, OH, on Friday afternoon, October 20, 2017. Born March 30, 1927 in Gallipolis, OH, she was the eldest child of the late C. Vance and Elaine Pitchford Baker. She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Lou Marchi, and her brother, Carl Lewis Baker. Mary Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Raymond L. Willis, on May 22, 1948, who also precedes her in death. To this union were born one son and three daughters: Russ Edward (Ginny) Willis, Susan Elaine Willis, and Carla Ann Willis, all of Gallipolis, OH and Mary Elizabeth “Libby” (John) Koetz of Columbus, OH. Nine grandchildren survive: Amy Willis of Vienna, WV; Matthew S. Willis of Gallipolis, OH; Mark (Shelly) Willis of Pickerington, OH; David (Abbey) Russell and Jeremy Russell of Gallipolis, OH; Joshua and Nicholas Koetz of Columbus, OH; Emily Evans-Hoeker (Gregory) of Roanoke, VA; and Jennifer Harrison of Bidwell, OH. Fourteen great-grandchildren also survive: Chance Davis of Gallipolis, OH; Aidan and Aaron Willis of Rio Grande, OH; Isaac Willis and step-grandchildren Brooke and Joe Fuller, all of Pickerington, OH; Alexis, Gabriel, and Samantha Russell, all of Gallipolis, OH; Jacob Russell of Liberty, MO; Eva and Elias Hoeker of Roanoke, VA; and McKenna Harrison and Daxtyn Ramey of Bidwell, OH. Mary Margaret graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1945. She was active in her community, particularly with the Gallia County Junior Fair where she initiated the Queen’s Pageant, and she was the advisor of the Wide Awake 4-H Club for many years. Her many memberships over the years include: Ohio Chapel Church, Grace United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Mary of Bethany Circle, the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Ladies Oriental Shrine, The Philomathian Book Club, the Supreme Emblem Club, The French Art Colony, Cliffside Ladies Golf Association, Gallipolis Investment Club, Gallia County Genealogical Society, First Families of Gallia County, Settlers and Builders of Gallia County, Civil War Families of Gallia County, Century Families of Gallia County, Gallia County Council of Aging, and was on the Board of Trustees of Clay Chapel Cemetery. Mary Margaret loved her family, friends, church, and community. She appreciated her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, especially their musical abilities. She adored hosting parties and valued having friends in her home. She enjoyed golf, travel and was an avid reader. Calling hours are Saturday, November 18, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm in the chapel at Grace United Methodist Church, followed by a private family graveside burial on Mound Hill in Gallipolis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Clay Chapel Cemetery, Attn: Clara Haner, 11756 State Route 7 South, Gallipolis. OH, 45631, or to Grace United Methodist Church, 600 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, OH 45631, and designated as a memorial to Mary Margaret Willis.