Rachel Marion Willis Willard

She was born in Westport, on February 22, 1920, the daughter of Frank and Hazel (Smith) Willis. She attended area schools and was a lifelong resident of Westport.

She married Sam “Elbert” Willard, in a ceremony in Westport, on July 5, 1942, and they celebrated 48 years of marriage, before his death in 1990.

She was a longtime member of the Westport Church Ladies Auxiliary.

She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, baking, canning and was famous for her beans served during the Westport Church Bean Suppers. She valued family time, with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family gatherings and family cookouts were always a joy, especially the 4th of July Cookout. She was a longtime sales associate for both Avon and Tupperware. She enjoyed watching baseball and wrestling.

She is survived by her children: Marilyn “Obie” J. Cole of Westport, Dale Willard of Westport, Robert Willard and his wife Lorna of Gilsum and Bruce “Bee” Willard and his wife Terry of Winchester; 7 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren; a sister: Pauline Joslyn of Swanzey; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband: Sam “Elbert” Willard; her siblings: Evelyn Joslyn, Shirley Emerson, Madeline Cloutier, Russell Willis, Ronald “Bub” Willis, Lloyd “Gebo” Willis and Francis “Towser” Willis.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Willard will be held Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the Westport Church at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Westport Village Cemetery. There are no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial donations may be made, to the Westport Church, 109 Westport Village Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431 has been entrusted with the arrangements.