Anna Ruth Martin Wills

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Radford University

Anna Wills Obituary

1900-2009 Anna Ruth Martin Wills, 109, of Roanoke, Va., died peacefully at her residence with her family at her side on Sunday, November 8, 2009. She is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy E. Wills; son, Kenneth E. Wills; parents, Joseph A. and Lucy Reynolds Martin; stepmother, Nettie Ross Martin; brother, J. Millard Martin; and son-in-law, James E. Clarke. Mom enjoyed working with preschool children for 40 years in Sunday School and Bible School at Garden City Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 75 years. She enjoyed gardening, word puzzles and traveling throughout the United States, especially Hawaii and overseas traveling to England. She was known for her love of Dr. Pepper and was honored to light the Dr. Pepper sign after its restoration. Ruth enjoyed nine plus years as a nursing assistant at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Mom graduated from Maywood High School in Craig County, and attended Radford State Normal, now Radford University. She taught in one room schools in Craig County, however she wanted to be a nurse and not a teacher. Surviving are her two daughters, Mildred (Millie) Wills Trent and husband, James, and Theda Wills Clarke; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved cat "Cody." The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Donald Smith, Carilion Hospice, especially Julie Watts, Clara Crowder and Julie Bauman. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with the Rev. Jay Fields officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel. Flowers will be appreciated or donations can be made to Garden City Baptist Church, 3536 Garden City Blvd., Roanoke, Va. 24014.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Wills

12 Entries

Pam Moore

November 11, 2009

What a wonderful testimony and life. Now I know for sure there will be Dr. Pepper in heaven

Tammy (Hincheee) Cook

November 11, 2009

What a blessing Mrs. Wills was to me. She was my Sunday School teacher at Garden City Baptist. She was a precious Godly lady. I am so glad I will see her again one day in Heaven.

Dianne Waterman

November 11, 2009

I will always charish the years theat I had Mrs. Wills as my Sunday School Teacher at Garden City Baptist, When I moved back to Roanoke and she was there to relight the Dr. Pepper sign, what a life, what an example of God's love, a loving family and a Godly mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dianne Shelton Waterman (Don and Barbara Shelton's Daughter.)

Emily North

November 10, 2009

What a blessing to have Grandma Ruth around for so many years. She will be with you all for that much longer watching and passing out her many blessings.
Kristin- Your family will be in my continued prayers. Take comfort in the fact that she has started a new life and will be in yours every step of the way.

November 10, 2009

Awwww, Grandma Wills, the love and respect for you will never be gone from our lives. Living next door to you in Garden City for so long was truely a blessing. You always told me you didn't want to live to be 100, but you exceeded those expectations, as I always knew you would. Although not related, Grandma Wills was part of our family. She treated my children Cristy and Shannon as if they were her grandchildren. You are with your Savior now, and dancing among the angels, but will always be with us in love and spirit.

Diane

Kerri Milton

November 10, 2009

What a full life! She will be with you always.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Miltons

Dawn Miller

November 10, 2009

The entire family and friends of Great Aunt Ruth are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Though I did not know her well, I do remember what a sweet and open woman she was. I remember her coming over on several occasions to visit Nanny (J.Joseph M. Martin's wife) when I was younger. I know she is now joyous and free in the arms of her Saviour.

Shannon

November 10, 2009

As a kid I used to go next door and get on her swing and we would talk for hours. She would just listen to this crazy little boy and laugh and would never get up intil I was done telling her what I was thinking. Even though we were not really related, I always called her Grandma Wills. Rest in peace "Grandma".

Emily, Justin & Addison Hopkins

November 10, 2009

She will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful woman. I am with the family in spirit & prayers.

Kevin and Kim Tyree

November 10, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kristin Witt

November 10, 2009

Grandma -
I am so happy that I was able to know you and have you in my life. As Tera said, you were an angel here on earth, and now your watching over us from above. I know you are at peace and probably sitting back drinking a Dr. Pepper. Thank you for being who you were. Love you always and forever and cannot wait to rejoice with you one day in our eternal home. Amo Te...
Kristin

Dianne Shelton Waterman

November 10, 2009

I fondly remember the days of my childhood when Mrs. Wills and My great grandmother, Viola Plunkett taught Sunday School at Garden City Baptist. They are some of my first church memories, and I really charish them. It meant so much for Mom and I have the opportunity to spend time with Theda,Shelia, and Mrs. Wills at the lighting of the Dr. Pepper sign, We were blessed to have her with us for so long. I can't wait until I met her and all the others from the early church that have passsed on. My sincerest prayers and condolences go out to your family at this time. If you need anything please feel free to contact me.

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