Willow Ferree

Willow Ferree, who was born Brandon Ferree on August 20, 2005, in Columbus, Indiana, was a beacon of kindness and intelligence in the lives of all who knew her. She passed away peacefully in her hometown on June 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtfulness and creativity. Willow's spirit, characterized by her gentle nature and innovative mind, will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
From a young age, Willow exhibited an insatiable curiosity and a remarkable intellect that endeared her to everyone around her. She was raised in Columbus, where she cultivated a life rich with passions and interests. An avid boulderer, Willow found joy and solace in the challenge of rock climbing. Her nimble fingers also danced on rhythm games, and her enthusiasm for such games was infectious, especially when she played Beat Saber. Willow's love for anime was paralleled by her appreciation for television shows like Dexter, Young Sheldon, and Breaking Bad, which she enjoyed for their intricate storytelling and character development.
Willow's creative pursuits extended beyond the screen as she taught herself 3D design and harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to compose music and craft memes that brought laughter to many. Her adoration for Kuromi from the Sanrio Universe was evident in her collection of memorabilia and the joy she shared with fellow fans.
Willow is survived by a loving family who supported her creative journey: her father, Stephen M. Ferree; her mother, Karen I. (Trevor) Batchelor; her biological mother, Medora Stevenson; her siblings, Douglas, Felicity, and Kyo Ferree, Lilly Mooney, and Nickkia Wilson; her grandparents, Sandra Crippen, Carol Hyde, and Paul Hyde; her nephews, Oliver and Jackson Ferree; her niece, Iris Ferree; her cousin, Martha Bryant; and her godfather, Glenn Moon. She was predeceased by her grandfathers, Marc Stevenson and Bernard Ferree. Her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins will cherish the memory of her warm presence.
A celebration of Willow's life will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In the words of Albert Einstein, "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." Willow embodied this sentiment, using her imagination to explore worlds both real and virtual, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who loved her. Her life, though brief, was a testament to the beauty of a kind soul who approached every day with a thoughtful heart and a boundless capacity to dream.