Clara Louise Willis
Clara Louise (Gehron) Willis, 89, of Springdale, died Nov. 30, 2012, at Springdale Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on Nov. 11, 1923, in Celina, Ohio, to Charles and Suszanna Gehron.
She had a penchant to write. She majored in English at John Brown University (JBU) in Siloam Springs (BA, 1945), and was the associate editor of the campus newspaper, The Threefold Advocate. While at JBU, she met Charles D. Willis, whom she married in 1946 in Montezuma, Ohio. The couple settled in northwest Arkansas; they were married for 66 years.
She co-founded Siloam Springs Writers and served as the club’s first president (1973-79). As a professional writer, her works of poetry and prose appeared in newspapers, magazines and books. Her love of God, family and nature were communicated through her writing.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Ferneva H. Gehron, and brother, Vernie C. Gehron.
Survivors include her husband, Charles, of Springdale; two sons, Darnéy and wife, Norma Jean Willis, and Chris L. and wife, Valarie Willis, all of Siloam Springs; a daughter, Suzan J. (Willis) Holt of Garfield; seven grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and brother, Clyde L. and wife, Bobbye Gehron, of DeRidder, La.
A celebration of life will be held at the Rogers Christian Church, 2501 W. Oak St., at noon Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cassville, Mo.
Memorials may be given to The Charles and Suszanna Gehron Memorial Endowed Scholarship, JBU.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Springdale. Visit www.backstrompyeatte.com to sign an online guest book.