On Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, Wilda Helen Willis, age 89, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She had been a resident of Aspen Meadows for four years.

Wilda was born June 18, 1917, in Sheridan, Wyo., the daughter of William and Libbie Jelinek Witzleben. She attended schools in Sheridan and country schools in the surrounding area. In 1929, the family moved to Wyola and in 1932, moved to Pryor. While living in Pryor, she attended the Baptist Church, which began her lifelong relationship with the missionaries. She was baptized in Pryor Creek at the age of 15 by the Reverend John Frost. Later, she established the church family at First Baptist Church in Billings as an important part of her life. On Oct. 20, 1940, she married William "Bud" Willis. Together, they had four sons: Bill, John, Glen and Tom.

In 1957. Wilda returned to Eastern Montana College to become a teacher. She taught in the Billings school system for 22 years as a third-grade teacher. She retired from teaching in 1981. After retirement, her time was spent traveling and taking her church friends lo church, dinner after church on Sundays and activities in the community. She was a very caring and generous person who spent much of her time helping others. She was always ready for new adventure.

Wilda loved her family. For many years, she organized family reunions and kept in touch with all of her relatives as long as she was able.

She belonged to the American Business Women's Association and was woman of the year in 1977. Wilda was also a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa, Montana Education Association, National Education Association, Billings Education Association, and was an RSVP volunteer.

Wilda is survived by her brother. William; four sons. William (Ellen). John (Debbie). Glen (Wendy) and Tom (Carol); 10 grandchildren. Jennifer. Jason. Heather, Holly, Michael. Whitney. Cari. Paul. Amanda and Deanne; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Carl; and sisters, Hettie and Betty Lou.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Doc. 2, at the First Baptist Church. corner of Third Avenue North and Division Street. Interment will follow al Mountview Cemetery. Visitation will start 9 a.m. Friday. Dec. 1. at Smith's Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th St.

Memorials may be nude to First Baptist Church.

The Billings Gazette - Nov. 28, 2006.