Sammy Willis

“A mother is someone who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.” (Unknown)
Our mother, Sammy N. Willis, 96-years-old, peacefully left our world on October 26, 2014, at her home in Durango. A Colorado pioneer from a legendary Hotchkiss ranching family, she had a strong will to live to see her family members happy and content. As a young woman you could find her dancing to Big Band music at the Beaumont Hotel in Ouray, driving along the Old Lime Creek Road for adventure, riding her horse Daisy or hitting the slopes of Aspen on wooden slat skis. Known for her unending positive attitude, we never heard any complaints from her regarding her deteriorating health through the years. She will be remembered by her contagious smile and her warm heart that touched many throughout her life. She worked at the Fort Lewis College for 22 years as the Personnel Director, made many friends and held long-lasting relationships with them and the college. After retirement, you could find her with friends up on the golf course, playing cards, having family dinners on her back deck, and traveling with family.
Sammy was born August 10, 1918, on her family’s homestead in Colona, Colorado. The youngest of five children - brother, John Verdi, and sisters – Bernice, Mildred, and LaVaughn, Sammy was the last surviving child of Verdi and Cora Hotchkiss. Married to our father, Dale W. Willis on January 13, 1946, who preceded her in death in 1974; their union produced five children – Jackie Ledger Lee, Bill Willis (Patti), JoAnne Petersen (Richard), Vonnie Wilkinson (Gary), and Todd Willis (Sherry). You could also find her arms wrapped around her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren whenever they were near. The matriarch of our family, she never missed anything her children were involved in –sporting events, performing arts, awards ceremonies, or one of her favorite pastimes, watching the Denver Broncos.
Our family extends a special thanks to Hospice of Mercy and her Visiting Angels caregivers, Doreen, Beth, Glenda, and Vanessa. We would love anyone who knew and loved Sammy, to join us in celebrating this Colorado pioneer woman’s remarkable life and the beautiful fall weather at the Greenmount Cemetery on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 11:00 am, for graveside services. The family will have a celebration of life immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sammy’s name to Hospice of Mercy, Annie’s Orphans, La Plata County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.