Audrey I. Willis, 86, of Big Rapids, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. She was born on January 14, 1938, to Orren and Lucille (Sorden) Fowler in White Cloud, Michigan. Growing up on the family farm as one of twelve children, Audrey learned the value of hard work, family, and dedication from an early age.

Audrey raised her own family in Big Rapids and retired early from Ferris State University. Her life centered around her family, where she cherished every moment spent watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in their various activities. Audrey was always there to help whenever she was needed, embodying the role of a loving and supportive matriarch. 

She especially enjoyed hosting family holidays and attending the yearly family reunion, keeping the family bond strong. Audrey spent her winters in Florida, where she made many new friends and stayed active with shuffleboard, games and clubhouse activities. She also loved traveling across the U.S. and abroad. For Audrey, family was everything, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved.

In her later years, her family continued to give her strength, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Audrey will be dearly missed as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her children: Rene (Rick) Fountain of Big Rapids, Roger (Patricia) Bulmer of Indiantown, FL, and Jane (Mike) Thelen of Cedar Springs; her grandchildren: Joshua Fountain of Saginaw, Amy (Terry) Kailing of Big Rapids, Andrew Thelen of Holland, Timothy (Katherine Powell) of Belmont, and Tyler (Hazel) Bulmer of Indiantown, FL; and her great-grandchildren: Austin Kailing, Luke Kailing, Leah Powell, Ava Fountain, Thomas Powell, and Jace Kailing. Audrey is also survived by her siblings: Marlene (James) Toogood of Big Rapids, Richard (Joyce) Fowler of Swartz Creek, Carl Smith of Grand Rapids, Pat Archbold of Newaygo, and Marcia Fowler of Newaygo, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orren and Lucille Fowler, as well as her siblings: Harold (Lois) (Hazel) Fowler, Mildred (Ward) Burke, Kenneth (Jean) (Mae) Fowler, Byron (Marilyn) Fowler, Marvin (Donna) Fowler, Verna Jean (Donald) Cappel, Robert (Sharon) Fowler, Barbara Smith, and Larry Fowler.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Fellowship Church in Big Rapids. The family will receive guests from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice at https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/west/donate. Arrangements are in the care of Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, Big Rapids. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.