Connie Faye

Willis

Connie Faye Willis was born in Wray, CO on August 17, 1950 to Leonard and Dorla (Weed) Rose. Connie passed away on October 14, 2026 at Sarah Ann Hester Home in Benkelman, NE.

Connie grew up on a farm south of Haigler, NE until her family relocated to St. Francis, KS when she was about 9 years old. Connie attended school in St. Francis and later graduated from St. Francis High School in 1968. Shortly after high school, Connie met and married James Willis in October of 1969 when the couple settled in Dundy County.

Connie was a hard worker and in addition to her role as full-time mother, she ran a day care for several years, worked at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home and for the Benkelman School District. Connie loved children and she deeply valued her time at Benkelman Schools, a career that lasted 29 years until she retired.

When she wasn’t busy working, Connie could be found chasing grandkids, all of whom she loved dearly, watching sports, working concessions at school functions, cheering for Dale Earnhardt on Sundays crocheting, or working Sudoku and Crossword puzzles.

Connie is survived by her children, Marcia (Josh) Zodieru of Tarkio, MO, Amber (Jerry) Ummel of Claremore, OK, Jami (Jeremy) Gurule of Pagosa Springs, CO, Eric Willis and special friend, Angel of Maxwell, NE; and Lindsey Willis and Tyler of Oakley, KS; her grandchildren, Nikolas and Brooke Willis, Jonah and Terri Zodieru, Jessi and Joslyn Gurule, Mylah and Sophie Ummel, Talon Willis, Chris and Victoria Thompson, Adam Schlinski, Emma Thompson and Antoinette Brungardt; great grandchild, Lilith Thompson; her siblings, Marie Dungan, Alan Rose, Lynette Rose, Bob and Bonnie Willis, Jim and Kathy Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Jim; infant daughter, Debra Diane Willis; her sister, Mary Walz, and brothers-in-law, Jackie Walz and Leroy Dungan.

A private family graveside service was held at Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, NE.