Obituary of Elizabeth L. Willes

Elizabeth (Betty) Butler Laman Willes Betty Willes, life-long resident of Afton, NY was called home to Jesus on February 26, 2021 at the age of 94. Betty was born to Clyde and Bernice (French) Butler on January 9, 1927 in Afton. She graduated from Afton Central School in 1944 and attended Ridley Lowell School of Business. She met Sheldon Laman and they were married May 24, 1946 and had six children. The family enjoyed camping and many days were spent at Bowman Lake State Park and many other places. Sheldon passed in 1993. While devoting most of her time to raising her children she also worked for Clifford Steward of Afton. Later she was employed by Briggs Lumber Company in Afton which relocated to Sidney and became Lloyd's Lumber, where she retired from in 1989. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Afton. She immensely enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether is was with her Circle 13 group in earlier years, having coffee with the "girls" each morning after she retired, getting together with her siblings just to visit or celebrate someone's birthday, as well as, many family get togethers including kids and grandkids sporting events, graduations and birthday parties. Betty married Howard Ross Willes in August 10, 1996 and resided in Afton. They enjoyed traveling, blue grass festivals and spent several winters in Ruskin FL. They were a regular fixture at Henry's Drive in for many years. For Betty, family came first. She was a wonderful and dedicated mother and grandmother. She loved her family with her whole heart, especially her grandchildren, and had a close bond with her brothers and sisters. She had beautiful smile, a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh that will be missed by all that knew her. Betty was predeceased by her parents, first husband Sheldon Laman, daughter Carol Sue Laman, brothers Howard Butler and Russell Butler, and sister Irene Barr Lewis. She is survived by her husband H. Ross Willes, sister Margaret Fletcher Gilgallon. Her children; Cheryl (David) Lockwood, Honeoye, NY; Shelley Cummings, Afton, NY; Alison Ward, Waverly, NY; Kimberlee (Clifford) Olin, Afton, NY and Daniel Laman, Guilford, NY. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her step children; Patricia Schultes, Keith (Kathy) Willes, Steven Willes, Roger (Kathy) Willes and Carol (Dean) Mitchell. Also 9 step-grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and 1 great great great-grandchild. A service will be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Home and because of COVID restrictions will be held privately for immediate family (siblings and children). An additional service is being planned in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to Alzheimer's Research online at alz.org or at 225N Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Share condolences and memories online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.