Willis R. Crist

WEST LEIPSIC – Willis R. Crist, 57, of West Leipsic, died Monday morning, October 10, 2016 at his residence.  He was born August 9, 1959 in Montpelier, to the late Willis Crist and Madeline (Underwood) Russ.  On May 7, 2005, he married Pastor Ruth Carter and she survives in West Leipsic.

Other survivors include four step-children: Kyle (Becky) Hutchison of Archbold, Lisa Spencer of Vermont, Brandon (Hailie Cooper) Spencer of Bryan and Avery Spencer of Salt Lake City, UT; 13 step-grandchildren; three sisters: Joyce Nickelson of Ottawa, KS, Charlotte Crist of Toledo, and Doris Heistand of Morenci, MI; two nephews: Michael Crist of Findlay and Justin Root; a niece: Carla Miller of Adrian, MI; ex-wife: Kathy (Jeff) Schroeder of Perrysburg; and mother-in-law: Olive (Chauncey "Mitch") DePew of West Unity.

He was also preceded in death by a sister: Penny Crist.

Willie was a retired truck driver.  He loved dogs, was an avid collector of oddities and a member of New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Deshler.

Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Leipsic United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Tom Graves will officiate.  Visitation will also be from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday evening at New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Deshler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Beginnings United Methodist Church, New Hope Bethel United Methodist Church or Quadco Rehab Center in Stryker.

Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.lovefuneralhome.com