June 27, 1922 - Dec. 26, 2009

ELKHART -- Doris I. Willey, 87, of Elkhart, died at 2:40 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 26, 2009) at Hospice House of Elkhart.

She was born June 27, 1922, in Elkhart to Merl and Emma (Burgh) Eckert. On May 30, 1941, she married Frank L. Willey in Elkhart. He died Dec. 25, 2007.

She is survived by four sons, Larry (Nancy) Willey of Coloma, Mich., Roland (Sharon) Willey of Elkhart, Ivan (Dawn) Willey of Wyoming, Mich., and Don (Devon) Willey of Selena, Ohio; two sisters, "Jo" Wolfe of Arizona and Helen Routson of Elkhart; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Judith Ann Willey; three sisters, Martha Longcor, Leahbell Harris and Thelma Eckert; a brother, Merl Howard Eckert; and a grandson.

Mrs. Willey was a homemaker and enjoyed quilting, reading, music and spending time with family. She attended Calvary Baptist Church in Elkhart.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service Wednesday at the funeral home. Dr. Daniel Gelatt of Calvary Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend.