Gerda Willis

Gerda "Ann" Willis, 87, went to be with our Lord at 12:13 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 10, 1933, in Karlsruhe, Germany, along with a twin brother, Gerhardt, to Frederick and Anna Sommer Baumer. Her other siblings are Werner, Fritz, Gunhilda and Heinie Baumer.

In Germany, she met and married Calvin Ashworth Sr., and then moved to the United States, where she raised seven children. She went on to marry Claude Eugene Willis, the love of her life.

While raising her young family, Ann learned to speak and write English. She proudly went on to study and pass her citizenship test and become a United States citizen.

After the children were grown, she worked for many years at Southeast Hospital. She had many fond memories from her time there and the friends she made.

Ann is survived by her children, Susan (Jerry) Vaughn, Monika (David) Olson, Calvin Ashworth, Alvin Ashworth, Michael (Connie) Ashworth, Donald Ashworth and Tony (Marla) Ashworth, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Eugene Willis, and her parents.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A private service will be held at Mound City (Illinois) National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lutheran Home in her memory.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff members at the Lutheran Home/Hospice Unit for the compassionate care they provided to their Mother.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.