Carole Ann Wills

Age 80 of Coal City, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, July 26, 2022 at the Gardens of Park Pointe in Morris, Illinois with her loving family at her side.

 

Born April 19, 1942 in Morris, Carole Ann was a daughter of the late Frank "Cal" and Marie (Votta) Vilt. She was raised in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1960. On June 8, 1963, Carole married her high school sweetheart, Arden Wills, in Assumption Catholic Church, and together they made their home and raised a family on the family farm.

 

In addition to being a loving wife, dedicated mother and doting grandmother, Carole also worked as an administrative assistant for Caterpillar Tractor Company, and also with the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative for 25 years where she retired in 2002. She was a member of Assumption Parish, where she was active with The Marthas, and the family belonged to the Coal City Area Club.

 

Friends remained important to Carole throughout her whole life, and she enjoyed maintaining her life long friendships with classmates from school. Family was Carole’s utmost priority, and she truly cherished her children and grandchildren. She was sure to never miss one of the kids’ extra curricular activities, and countless memories were made together celebrating togetherness, family milestones and holidays.

 

In her free time, Carole took pleasure in snowmobiling, playing many rounds of golf and participating in the exercise programs at the Coal City Library. Gone from our sight, Carole Ann Wills leaves behind a priceless collection of memories in the hearts of all of those who were fortunate to know and love her.

 

Survivors include her children, Gregory (Tiffany) Wills, Darin (Nikki) Wills and Kristin (Lance) Copes, all of Coal City; grandchildren: Brandon (Angela) Wills of West Allis, Wisconsin, Alex Wills (Fiancée, Melissa Patterson) of Aurora, Illinois, Carter Copes of Waukee, Iowa, and Beau Wills, Zoe Wills and Kerigan Copes, all of Coal City; one sister, Sharon; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Jean Wills of Coal City and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many lifelong friends.

 

Carole was preceded in death by her parents; husband of almost 50 years, Arden in 2013; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arden and Ellen Wills, and three grandchildren in infancy, Ryan Michael Wills, Caden Reece Copes and Kellen Gabriel Copes.

 

The family will receive guests for a visitation on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City between the hours of 4:00 p.m.and 8:00 p.m.Funeral services will follow Wednesday morning, August 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Josh Miller presiding, and Deacon William Dunn assisting.

 

Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Carole will be laid to rest with Arden. Carole’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers.

 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Carole’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or to her family for their distribution to local charities of their choosing.

 

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs and share Carole's memorial page online through social media.

 

Funeral services and arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125) www.ReevesFuneral.com