Kay Marvin Willis

Kay Marvin Willis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away quietly at his home on Sunday. He was 86. Kay was born March 10, 1929 in Henrieville, Utah to Sears Merrill and Julia Fern McBride Willis. He graduated from Bryce Valley High School in 1948. Kay married Maggie Dutton on Jan. 19, 1949 in the St. George Temple. Together they raised seven children. Maggie died on Feb. 9, 2001. Kay married Cathy Collyer on Dec. 11, 2003 in Richfield. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple in February 2007. Throughout his life Kay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as stake young men president, counselor in three bishoprics, elders quorum president, high priests group leader, and ordinance worker in the St. George Temple. He and Cathy especially loved serving together as ordinance workers in the Manti Temple. Kay enjoyed the outdoors—hiking, hunting, and fishing. He was a great storyteller with a penchant for writing poetry and taking pictures. He loved to laugh at funny movies. He collected many things and valued the impressions he received while studying his scriptures. He will be remembered as one who loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Kay is survived by his wife, Cathy, Manti; children: Linda (Dale) Larson, Cannonville, Utah; Merrill (Karen) Willis, Chubbuck, Idaho; Russell (Sandra) Willis, Chubbuck; Loren (Peggy) Willis, Las Vegas, Nev.; Julie (Clark) Spendlove, Las Vegas; Beverly (Bob Syrett, deceased) (Jay) Marshall, Price; Mechele Page, Panguitch; Jim (Marcy) Savage, Lynnwood, Wa.; Shauna (Michael) O’Connor, Bothell, Wa.; 37 grandchildren; and 80 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia, and father, Sears Merrill; wife, Maggie; son-in-law, Bob Syrett; grandson, Grant Spendlove; and nine siblings. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. in the Manti Stake Center, 555 E. Union St. A viewing will be held at 9:30 that morning at the same location. Burial will be in the Henrieville Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. under the care Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina.