Shirley Ann (Taylor) Willis

Shirley Ann (Taylor) Willis, 78, Peru, passed away at Noon on Monday, April 8, 2024, at her daughter’s residence in Peru.

Born January 3, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio, she was the daughter Wallace Edward and Mary Kathrine (Weaver) Taylor.  On August 11, 1962, in Peru, Indiana, at the Third Street Church of God, in Peru, she was married to Jerry Clay Willis, and he preceded her in death on September 6, 2020.

She was a graduate of Peru High School and was a member of the First Church of Christ in Peru.  She was involved with the Miami County Extension Homemakers for several years.  She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family, helping raise her grandchildren, and being an active part of all of their lives.  She was a prayer warrior for anyone and was a devoted member of her church.  She was a very crafty person and enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, sewing, quilting, ceramics, and painting.  She loved making something ordinary look more beautiful.  She had a green thumb and could grow anything, including a lemon tree from a seed fished out of a glass of lemonade.

Survivors include her children (to whom she was a great mom), DeWayne Willis, Peru; Jerry (Aine) Willis, Wabash; Kelly (Ray) Ege, Peru; and Jennifer (Michael) Poston, Peru;  grandchildren, Andrew (Rachel) Amersbach, Peru; Danielle (Steve) Clarey, Pennsylvania; DeWayne (Bobi) Willis, Jr., Peru; Victoria Amersbach, Texas; Anastasia (Richie) Hawkins, Wabash; Jordan (Evan) Laudenschlager, Peru; Donovan (Ashlei) Willis, Marion; Kyndale (Chandler) Alwine, Peru; Austin Willis, Wabash; Braxton Willis, Wabash; and Brian (Tash) Ege, Peru; great-grandchildren, Olivia Willis; Chamberlain Hawkins; Abby and Sadie Lovaglio; Lily Walker; Cambree Hawkins; Tatum, Tegan, and Ty Laudenschalger; and Maverick Alwine; a special cousin, Anna Stapleton, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Annette (Joe) Starkey, Peru; and Cathy Brubaker (Eric Vielee), Peru; and two sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, and three siblings.

Funeral service will be at Noon on Friday, April 12, 2024, at First Church of Christ, 2584 Business 31 South, Peru, with Evangelist Shane Capps officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  The online guestbook can be signed at www.mcclainfh.com.