Maryann Willis

Maryann was raised in Wichita, Kansas, on a farm, by adopted parents, Ester and George Washington Howard. They also adopted two brothers from another family. Maryann was expected to rise early to do the chores, as the boys were. Maryann went to school there until graduation, at Bunker Hill High School, in which, on that day she moved by herself to Kansas City. Her mother taught her to play piano, accordion and organ by the time she was 11 years old. Maryann was studious in her practicing. This gave her a talent into many other instruments including “everything but the bagpipes. Maryann used her time and talents to help others in so many ways. Weekly, throughout her life, after sobriety, she went to AA meetings and was Woman’s Director over AA in the State of Montana for many years. She followed up by going on weekly visits to those incarcerated or in half way houses, to help those in need. Maryann was sober for 45 years or more. Maryann played piano at schools, churches, but especially nursing homes. She played in bands and enjoyed entertaining others. Maryann went to college quite a few times, as she was always wanting to learn more. Maryann was in Business, Accounting, Management and Taxes. She was very intelligent. Maryann had 7 children. Vicki, Linda, Jamie, Debbi, Kenny, GerriAnn and Sandra Kay. She was an artist, and also did ceramics, drew, painted and loved to make gifts for her Grandchildren which she sent regularly. She sent a nice warm sweat shirt every winter for all the Grandkids. On July 24th, 2010, Maryann was married to Max Lassley and together they lived in Fairbury Nebraska. Maryann was very emotionally intelligent, and was a kind soul. Maryann was not judgmental towards any and cared for others deeply. She designed her days around a time schedule and was loyal to that for most of her life. Maryann was the woman traveling on her motorcycle from state to state and for many years did not even own a car. She would have been considered a gypsy or hippy in her younger days. She beaded, spread sunshine and hope, and most of all, her story, so others could know she understood them. Maryann is a legacy to all of us, and the essence she leaves is always that family should be loving and accepting of others including their short comings, with fairness and kindness between us all. She was a true blessing to all of her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter and to everyone who knows her. Services were August 9, 2024 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home Chapel in Fairbury. Memorials will go to the Family's Choice. Gerdes-Meyer is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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