Jorita L. Willis

OREGON - JoRita L. Willis, 50, of Oregon, Wis., passed away on Feb. 24, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was a proud member of the Deaf community.

JoRita was the youngest of six daughters, born on Aug. 17, 1973, to Joe and Jan Connor of Almond, Wis. She was raised to know and love Jesus, and her faith remained a cornerstone throughout her life’s journey.

JoRita graduated high school at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in 1992. She received her associate degree as an Information Processing Specialist from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis. She worked as an educational assistant for Deaf students in the Hustisford and Lomira school districts. JoRita was most recently an associate at Walmart for over 20 years.

JoRita married her best friend, Jeff Willis, on July 19, 2003. They shared a love of travel, taking an unforgettable trip to Hawaii for their 20th wedding anniversary. Jeff cherished every moment with JoRita and will forever hold her close in his heart.

JoRita was a beautiful communicator with an ability to write chapters with one facial expression. She inspired several of her sisters to go into the field of Deaf education. Time with family was always a priority. She was a proud aunt to 15 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews. To be her friend on Facebook meant visually stunning posts and positive comments that revealed her kind and gentle soul. JoRita loved to try new recipes from her impressive collection of cookbooks. Wine tasting with friends and family was a favorite pastime.

JoRita is survived by her loving husband, Jeff Willis; her mother, Jan Connor of Weston; sisters, Joleen (Rich) Hunkins of Pulaski, Juanita (Carl) Weinert of Oregon, Janette (Dino) Calarco of Theresa, JoAnn (Robin) Vercimak of Schofield and Jelaine (Steve) Olsen of Janesville; her sister-in-law, BethMarie Willis of Kenosha; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

JoRita was preceded in death by her father, Joe Connor; special neighbors, Marion and Glen Reader; her grandparents, Helen and Edward Bell and Margaret and Joseph Connor; her mother-in-law, Bonnie Willis; her father-in-law, Basil Willis Jr.; her brother-in-law, Basil Willis III; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St. Oregon, at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515