Gerda ‘Ann’ Willis

Gerda ‘Ann’ Willis

Gerda “Ann” Willis, 87, went to be with the Lord at 12:13 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born on Aug. 10, 1933, in Karlsruhe, Germany, along with a twin brother, Gerhardt, to Frederick and Anna Sommer Baumer. Her other siblings are Werner Baumer, Fritz Baumer, Gunhilda Baumer and Heinie Baumer.

In Germany, she met and married Calvin Ashworth Sr., and then moved to the United States, where she raised seven children. She went on to marry Claude Eugene Willis, the love of her life.

While raising her young family, she learned to speak and write English. She proudly went on to study and pass her citizenship test and became a United States citizen.

After the children were grown, she worked for many years at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She had many fond memories from her time there and the friends she made.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Jerry) Vaughn, Monika (David) Olson, Calvin Ashworth, Alvin Ashworth, Michael (Connie) Ashworth, Donald Ashworth and Tony (Marla) Ashworth, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Claude Eugene Willis, and her parents.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A private service will be held at Mound City National Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to The Lutheran Home.

The family sincerely thanked the staff members at The Lutheran Home/Hospice Unit for the compassionate care they provided.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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