Kimiyo Willis

Kimiyo "June" Willis, age 90, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Carriage Court of Grove City. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 36 years, Charles Joseph Willis, Sr.; her son, Charles Joseph "Chuck" Willis, Jr.; and her parents, Takezo and Ume Atarashi. She was also preceded by her siblings, Fumiyo Cavitt and Kenya Atarashi.

June is survived by her children, Wanda (Bruce) Rowe, Rebecca Gale Smart, and John Edward (Christy) Willis; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Rachel) Willis, Jared Willis, Jordan (Meghan) Willis, Alan (Jenny) Rowe, Elizabeth Rowe, Ambrose Smart, and Joseph Willis; and her great-grandchildren, Nolan (Kayleigh) Willis and June Willis. She was also blessed with a great-great-grandchild, Kinsley Willis, and a baby great-great-grandchild, Evelyn, who is expected later this year. June also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Debra J. Willis; siblings, Fukuko (Mikio) Koyatsu, Toshiyuki Atarashi, Kazuko (Teisan) Atarashi, Hiroyuki Sato; her sister-in-law, Umi Atarashi; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

June had a deep love for nature, particularly her flower garden. She would often ask her husband Joe to stop on the side of the road so she could pick beautiful flowers to bring home and grow in her garden. Born during a blizzard, June had the unique tradition of celebrating two birthdays each year: her actual birthday and the day of her official birth.

Her greatest joy was taking care of her children and grandchildren. She would stay up late with her grandkids, always ready to make them whatever they wanted to eat at any hour of the day or night.

June was also a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, where she was an active participant and supporter of veteran causes.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Rd., Grove City, with her funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Mark Dettmer, Celebrant, will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Oak Hill CM Cemetery in Oak Hill, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.