Marion Willes

On March 24, Marion Willes passed away peacefully surrounded by family, just 53 hours after her late husband Paul Stephen Willes passed away. Marion was born on January 19, 1930 in Ogden, Utah, to Leslie Clark Ballantyne and Pearl Burch Ballantyne. From a young age Marion always strived to be her best. She graduated from Nyssa High School in Nyssa Oregon in 1948 and decided to continue her education at Brigham Young University. Her passion for life and the loyalty she displayed to her friends and education quickly caught the eye of Paul Stephen Willes. On June 9, 1953 Paul and Marion were married and sealed for time and all eternity. In 1964 Paul and Marion relocated the family to Oregon for Paul to continue his goals as an educator. Marion received her master degree at Southern Oregon College and her teaching certifications from Eastern Oregon College of Education while being a wonderful mother to her seven children. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Although Marion had a deep passion for teaching and education, she found her greatest fulfillment in motherhood. Through her love and service she gave her children a firm foundation of faith for life’s challenges. She loved seeing her children excel in sports, school, careers, serving missions and finding eternal companions. She and Paul were of one mind in life. Whether it was a medical hearing appointment for Paul, or a hair appointment for Marion, they loved spending time together. When Paul passed Sunday and Marion passed just 53 hours later on Tuesday, they were a perfect example of the legacy and love story they wanted to leave behind for their family.
Marion is survived by siblings, Kay Wettstein, Melvin Ballantyne and by her children, Warren Paul (Margaret) Willes; Susan (Robert) McQuoid; Richard (Geri) Willes; Clark (Aileen) Willes; Linda (James. L. – deceased) Henrie; Brad (Dartha) Willes; Stephanie (Tracy) Brown. Paul and Marion are blessed with 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse Paul and other siblings, David and Genevie.
We will always remember Marion’s passion and loyalty to her husband, family and the gospel. Marion’s children, grandchildren and all those that knew her will miss her deeply. We will be eternally grateful for the lessons Marion taught and the exemplary woman she was.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Country Park 4th Ward Building, 11251 South 2700 West, South Jordan, UT. Viewing services will be held Friday March 27th, @ 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the same location as the funeral. Interment: Lehi Memorial Cemetery.