Maria Luisa Willis

Maria Luisa Willis was born on September 30, 1953 in Edinburg, Texas to Ramon Lopez and Consuelo (Meza) Sahagun. Maria “Chito” Luisa Willis was a caring and loving wife, sister, friend, aunt, and daughter. She left unexpectedly, yet peacefully to be with the Lord on February 2, 2022 at age 68 in Visalia, California.

Maria was preceded in death by her father Ramon Sahagún, husband Kenneth Willis, and younger brother Ramon Sahagún, Jr. She is survived by her mother Consuelo M. Sahagún, sisters Anna Maria Sadberry, Esperanza Romero, Maria de Jesus Rodriguez, Yolanda S. Reed, and Nora Castaneda., and her brothers Heriberto Sahagún, Santiago Sahagún, and Jesús Sahagún.

After graduating from high school, Maria pursued a career as a Dental Assistant. She married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Willis and they began building memories together. The two did not bear any children.

Although Maria did not bear children, she had the pleasure of raising four children who have become responsible young men. Brandon Aguilar, Derrick Aguilar, Andrew Aguilar, and Caleb Aguilar, were fortunate to have been the closest form of children to Maria for eight years. She was like a mother to all of the children who had the pleasure of sharing the same space as her. All of Marias nieces and nephews can agree that “Tia Chito” has left an imprint on them in one way or another, and it is without a doubt that if she were to have had her own children, she would have been a phenomenal mother.

Maria loved to draw, sew, bake, and most importantly, eat what she would bake!

Her best friend since grammar school, Dolores “Lola'' Silva Hernandez shares that Chito loved to square dance in high school, and go watch drive in movies with the “Sahagún Clan”. Maria enjoyed many things, but her favorite was spending time with family and friends, and creating the memories that will last us a lifetime.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Romero, Isaac Romero, Ricardo Castello, Nick Castaneda, Steve Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Raymond Sahagun and Brandon Aguilar.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 3pm to 7:00 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel 134 North Cypress Street, Woodlake with Rosary at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Service will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 9:00 am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 198 North Pepper Street, Woodlake.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millermemorialchapel.com for the Willis family.