Diane R. Willis, 84, of Norwich, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at her home. She was born in that same house on July 28, 1940 to the late Walter and Bertha (Davis) Slentz. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Jennifer Willis; her sisters, Joyce Slentz, and Carol Dunham; and her brothers, Richard “Dickie” Slentz, Robert Slentz, Kenneth Slentz, Mark Slentz, and David Slentz.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Lawrence Willis; her son and daughter-in-law, James and Judy Willis; her grandchildren, Amanda and Kevin Shoemaker, Benjamin Willis, and Rev. Zachary and Abby Willis; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Diane grew up in the local area and graduated from New Berlin High School, she went to work at NBT for a time until her children were born and she became an excellent full time mother. After raising her children, Diane worked full time at the Chenango County Board of Elections until her retirement. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren as well as volunteering for the nursery at Holmesville Baptist Church for many years. Staying connected with people was very important to her. Diane was also an avid collector of ceramics, rooster figurines and old Coca Cola memorabilia. She loved to garden, crochet and work on needlepoint projects.
A funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St., Norwich, with Rev. Zachary Willis officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Diane will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Cemetery on a later date.