Rose Marie Willis, 94, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Maple Heights Nursing Center in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Rose was born on November 19, 1930, to John and Gertrude (Schuetz) Schaefer in rural Horton. Rose attended school in Mercier and Horton, graduating from Horton High School in 1947. Rose married William Willis on November 30, 1949. She and Bill established B & R Bar and Grill which they managed and operated for several years. Rose later studied real estate and worked for Pfleider Agency and then opened her own office, Horton Real Estate which she owned and brokered for 23 years.

Rose was very active in the Horton community, serving as city finance commissioner, Horton Hospital board, district director and state treasurer for the Horton Hospital and the Horton Hospital Auxiliary, secretary and treasurer for the Horton industrial development committee, member of the Horton Chamber of Commerence, Horton Hospital Auxiliary and the NEK board of realtors.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele (Tim) McClaskey), grandchildren and great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kyson and Brynlee, Andy (Stephanie), Ryleigh and Bria, Chris (Abbey), Noah, two foster sons, Paul (Lisa) Wenger and David (Trudi) Wenger and their families. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill in 2017, twin daughters, Beverly and Barbara, four sisters and five brothers.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Horton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to NEK Hospice and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas.