Iris Mae Willis

Iris Mae Willis 97, of Derby, Vermont passed away on September 8, 2026 at her home. She was born on February 17, 1929 in South Richford, Vermont to George and Mildred (Guilmette) Fletcher. When she was a small child the family moved to the dairy farm in Essex, Vermont. She grew up on her parents dairy farm and they were also the Blue Seal grain dealers for the area.

On June 1, 1949 she married Wallace Allen Willis who predeceased her in October 2005. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress and knitter. The grandchildren reaped of these benefits whether it was at the house or camp in Albany, Vermont. She enjoyed playing cards, games, putting puzzles together, an the almost weekly dinner outings with family and friends. Iris was always ready to travel on the next adventure.

She is survived by her children: Martha Forest and husband Dennis, Allen Willis and wife Monica, Nancy Craft, Kim Bryan and husband Travis, by her grandchildren: Michael Forest and wife Aubrey, Derek Mason and wife Terry, Tullia Mason, Karen Carr and fiancé Richard Eastman, Jr, Cody, Connor and Cameron Bryan, by her great grandchildren: Ashley Farrington(Keegan Stier), Aystin Farrington, Jacob Cheshire, Jessica Carr (Jordan Cote), Gunnar Mason (Tiara Husbands) Megan Mason (Dominic Versieh) Chesney Mason and Jeremy Mason, Kameron and Rylan Forest, sister Jean Isham and husband Rod, by her nieces and nephews: Rick (Diane) Isham, Sherry (George) Peterson, Wayne (Kathy) Hill, Norma (Gerry) Steady, Lee (Kerry) Fye, Tom Martel, Warren Willis, and Gail (Pat) Woodard.

She is also survived by very special neighbors and friends, Bev Emmons and Walter and MaryBeth Medwick.

She was predeceased by her husband Wallace, her grandsons: Nicholas Craft and Gregory Willis, son-in-law Ricky Craft, her parents: George and Mildred Fletcher, her brothers: Harold and Garold Fletcher, sisters and brother-in-laws: Betty and Charlie Hill, Eleanor and Maurice Martel and Norma Fletcher, by her nieces: Rhonda Isham Warren and Sandra Hill Hayes and all of Wallace’s brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Per Iris’s wishes she wanted to be in her own home. Nancy moved in to make that possible when she could no longer live on her own. But it takes a village to do this. Karen came on Wednesdays for the day until she could no longer work from home. Tullia came on Tuesday’s for the day, Martha came for several weeks during the summer. None of this would of possible without two wonderful caregiver’s Rhonda Cole and Tina McAlister. Every Sunday and Friday and anytime in between they were there for Iris. Two individuals who were much more than caregivers. They will forever be part of our family. Allen always kept her supplied with her favorite scallop dinners and lobster rolls.

Thank you to Dr. Keith and nurse Barb for all the years of eceptional care. During her last days the Olreans Essex VNA and Hospice staff were incredible. Their compassion and kindness were so appreciated. Thank you for the love and support of two nurses and dear friends Joanne Root and Donna Blacketer. They made themselves available anytime of the day or night for Nancy.

Iris’s final wish is to have no funeral. She just wants everyone to remember their last conversation with her and think of her that way. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers: donations can be made in Iris’s name to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855 or to Living Waters Hospice House, P. O. Box 1104, Newport, Vermont 05855. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.