Mrs. Florence Frances Willis

Florence Willis was born in Fresno on October 15, 1919 to Michael and Rosa Conte, both immigrants from Italy through Ellis Island. Her early years were spent on C Street in Fresno and she graduated from St. John's High School (now San Joaquin Memorial) in 1938.

In 1941 her career path took her to St. Mary's College of Nursing in San Francisco. She graduated in February, 1944 and was immediately inducted into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Florence spent the remaining years of the war at Dibble General Hospital in Menlo Park taking care of both United States wounded and POW's. After the war she worked at various hospitals from Stockton to Fresno.

In 1956, while working at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton, she met Russell Willis who would become her husband in 1957. They had two children, Bret in 1958 and Kim in 1963. Florence continued to work off and on through the years while still managing to be a wonderful mom.

After Russell's death in 1990, she immersed herself in her four grandchildren, Kelli, Holli, Jill and Jared, whom she loved and supported with all her heart.

Florence is survived by her son, Bret and his wife Teri of Oakhurst; daughter, Kim Kahler and her husband Ralph of Oakdale; and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to the Community Hospice, 2201 Euclid Ave., Hughson, CA 95326.