Barbara Willis

June 18, 1945 ~ July 13, 2017

Barbara Willis, 72, passed away at her Carson City residence on July 13, 2017 with her husband Robey by her side.

Barbara was born on June 18, 1945 in Seattle, Washington to Ben and Marjorie Phillips. She spent her childhood in Seattle enjoying boating with her family, fishing, and developing many friendships along the way. She worked at Boeing and attended the University of Washington.

While working at Boeing she married the love of her life, Robey Willis, and they moved to Carson City in 1969. When she arrived in Carson City, she worked for the State of Nevada Department of Personnel. She started out as a secretary and worked her way up to becoming the first female Director of State Personnel. She served in Governor Miller’s Cabinet.

She retired in 1997 and enjoyed golfing and spending time with friends and family. She was a happy and positive person who touched many lives along the way.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robey Willis; daughter Liz Harrell (Jeff) of Incline Village; grandchildren Jake Harrell, Zach Harrell; brother David (Karen) Phillips; sister-in-law Suzette (Jim) Jessup; mother-in-law Roberta Willis; niece Jamie Jessup and nephew David Phillips.

A funeral sevice will be held on Saturday, July 22nd at 11 am at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 314 N. Division St., Carson City, NV

Arrangements are under the trusted care of Walton’s Chapel of the Valley