Doris Jean Marler Willey, known tenderly to all who loved her as "Jeanie," was next to the youngest child of Roy and Maude Marler of Grant City. She attended high school there, and it was at the Grant City skating rink that fate placed Gerold Willey in her path. Jean was charmed by his gift for skating on his back wheels, and from that evening forward, the two were inseparable. Jeanie and Gerold were married on July 8, 1951, and with quiet devotion she stood beside her military husband as they built a life together, including time served in Alaska.
In early 1952, the couple settled in Mt. Ayr and began the family that would become her greatest joy. In November 1953, Jeanie welcomed her first daughter, Stephany Kay, into the world, and then, to everyone's wonderful surprise, Kimberly Rae arrived just fourteen months later. As her daughters would say with full hearts, "Little did we know Kim and I hit the jackpot when it comes to our mother." She was, without question, one of the finest mothers a child could know, gifted in so many ways.
Jeanie gave generously of herself to her community. She was one of the best cooks anyone had ever known, and being in her presence was simply a delight. She was warm, caring, and steadying to all around her, keeping things running smoothly and keeping Gerold grounded. For many years she worked faithfully alongside him, Joyce Johnson, daughter Kim, and Carol Oxley at Gerold's PLBG. & HTG.
She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a full and tender heart, and she took every opportunity to speak with them about the importance of leading a good life. Among her most treasured memories were the homemade ice cream and chocolate cake with fudge frosting she lovingly made for her family, the cherished time spent with her dear nieces Loucinda McCalla, Kathleen McCalla, and Lou McCalla and their families whom she loved as her very own, and the frequent visits with her nephew Bob Moore and his wife Janet, who held a special place in her heart.
Jeanie had five siblings. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gerold, Francis McCalla, Ferne Marler, William (Bill) Marler, Bobbie, and Jerry Marler.
Those blessed to carry on her legacy are her daughters Stephany and Paul Fell of Pleasant Hill, and Kimberly and Bob Weehler of Mt. Ayr; grandchildren Brian Fell, Lydia and Brian Motis, Danyale and John Boardman, Sommer and Bill Jones, and Colton Weehler; and great-grandchildren Reece Boardman, Quinn Boardman, Zane Boardman, Ty Jones, Wynston Jones, Menah Fell, Simon Fell, Castle Motis, Roman Motis, and Silas Motis. She is also survived by other cherished relatives and a host of many good and true friends.
Memorials are to the First Christian Church and the Mount Ayr Fire Hall.
