Jean I. Willits

     Jean Willits, 83, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at her warm and comforting home in Antes Fort. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be dearly missed.

     Jean was born on April 26, 1940, at home on the family farm in Salladasburg, the daughter of the late Donald and Beulah (Paulhamus) Roupp. She was also married at home on the family farm on September 21, 1957, to Edgar Willits. She normally called him Ed, but referred to him as Edgar whenever she was irked with him. She was insistent about resolving any disagreements with him before bedtime, and never went to sleep with ‘Edgar’ before the argument was settled.

     Jean was dearly beloved by both family and friends. She was very active in her community. She was a member of the Antes Fort Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years and for many years with Citizen Hose and Ambulance Company. In cooperation with Howard Payton, Jean built up the Bingo and Small Games of Chance at the Antes Fort Volunteer Company, requiring her to attend a class and obtain a license, with her ultimately becoming the chairperson. She also served as an Emergency Medical Technician and Fire Police Volunteer there until developing health issues. Jean helped in organizing the Bingo Game at Citizen Hose and Ambulance Company, and in their carnival days, her and Ed thoroughly enjoyed operating the Cake Wheel Game for many years, leading to recognition with a Director’s Award for their fund-raising successes.

     In her younger days, Jean was active in hiking, hunting deer, and catching rattlesnakes in the mountains around English Center. She always loved playing board and card games with her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was especially fond of playing Phase 10 with her granddaughter Cheryl, who was always up for a game with her.

     Jean was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters; Dorothy (Robert) Confer, Dollene Roupp (infant), Eileen (Ernest) Brown, and Betty Brown, and four brothers; Donald, Torrence, Carl, and David Roupp.

     Jean is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, Ed, daughter Cindy (Tony) Moniger of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, three sons; John (Karen) of Pittsburgh, Lonnie (Candace) of Mechanicsburg, and Don (Maria) of Yuma, AZ, as well as eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great, great grandson. Jean also leaves behind her much beloved baby brother, Steve (Sherrie) Roupp of Jersey Shore, sisters-in-law; Laura Roupp of Salladasburg and June Roupp of Avis, and brother-in-law, Ronald Brown of Punxsutawney.

     Ed and Jean’s family give a very special thanks to her final caregivers and close friends, Rose and Deb. Their compassion, kindness, and friendship was always very comforting.

     A viewing and memorial service honoring Jean will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore. Burial services will follow in the Quiggle-Roupp Cemetery, Trout Run.     

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