MRS R. B. B. WILLIS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXIV, Issue 4173, 19 May 1920, Page 3

MRS R. B. B. WILLIS

Very general regret is felt ifl the Southbridge district at the death of Mrs Willis, wife of Mr it. B, B. Willis, a lady who was held in the highest regard by all who were privileged to lsnow her. Mrs Willis passed away rather suddenly and unexpectedy on Friday afternoon. She was born at Auckland sixty-three years ago, her parents, ■Mfl and Mrs Thomas Cawkwell, of Meadowbank, Paflmure, Auckland, being amongst the earliest and best-known settlers in the province. They came out from Home about seventy years ago in the same ship as the Rhodes family, who were amongst the early pioneers in Canterbury. Mrs Willis was married in 1883, her husband, Mr R. B. B. Willis, being at that time a farmer in the Waikato. In 1892 Mr and Mrs Willis moved to the North of Auckland district, where they resided until 1907, when, following the death of Mr Willis's mother, relict of the late Captain R. B. Willis, of Southbridge, they came to the Ellesmere district, and for about ten years resided on the w^ll-known "Willisden" estate at Southbridge. When this property w"as sub-divi-ded and sold two or three years ago, Mr and Mrs Willis took up their residence in the Southbridge township, adjoining St.' James's Church. Mrs Willis leaves a family of five daughters, two of whom are married, and one son. The married daughters are Mrs J. S. Inwood ("'Alton," Southbriuge) and Mrs Foweraker (Christchurch). The late Mrs Willis always took a very deep interest in her church, and during her stay in Southbridge w&s regular in her attendance at St. James's Church, and a liberal supporter of church institutions. A lady of genial and kindly disposition, there are many people in this.and other districts in whose memory she will have a place for many years to come. Throughout the war period she was a hard worker in the interests of the Red Cross. The interment took place on Monday afternoon in the Church of England portion of the Ellesmere Cemetery.