Janis Weech Willis

IN LOVING MEMORY

Norma Janis Weech Willis

March 11, 1931 – May 4, 2025

Our beloved matriarch, Norma Janis Weech Willis, has gone home after a long and valiant life. Mom passed away the morning of May 4, 2025 at the age of 94. We will miss her very much.

Janis was born on March 11, 1931 to Hyrum Newell and Christine Gilliland Weech as the oldest of seven children. Her Weech ancestors helped settle the Gila Valley of Graham County, Arizona. However, Janis was born in Chandler and grew up there and in Mesa until, in her mid-teens, her family moved to the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation to open a trading post.

Mom graduated as valedictorian from Globe High School in 1948. Her education continued at the University of Arizona in Tucson where she majored in Home Economics Education. Home Economics and homemaking were her special talents, and she excelled in all of their aspects. But most importantly, she met our dad, Reed Morgan Willis, at the University. After their courtship in Tucson, he served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in December 1952.

Mom taught Home Economics until she and Dad started their family and established their first home on Sunland Drive in Chandler. With the exception of two years in Gilbert, they have been residents of Chandler ever since. Over the years, she served faithfully in many church callings including leadership positions in the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women’s organizations.

Janis is survived by her husband Reed; children Brenda, Dan (Annette), Sandra (Mario) and Ron (Elisabeth). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Patrick Funk (Amy), Erin Isom (Zac), Jordan Funk, Ryan Willis (Meredith), Connor Willis (Janiece), Morgan Willis (Karoline), Eva Willis and Ian Willis. Additionally, Janis has 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. She is also survived by her sister Linda Blackburn (Bruce). Her parents, sisters Loretta and Carol, and brothers Hugh, Lance and Ricky predeceased her.

We express our sincere gratitude to Mom’s wonderful caregivers. Details on funeral services are pending. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery at the base of Mount Graham.