Betsy Tsugie Willis

Betsy T. Willis, aged 77, while surrounded by her family, was called to be with our Lord on October 12, 2014 after a long struggle with cancer. Betsy was born September 14, 1937, the daughter of Kichi Sasaki and Toshiko Sasaki. She has been living in Keller, TX for the past 10 years. Betsy was always a local girl from the islands, as she would say. She was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii when it was still a territory. She grew up in the paradise known as Kukuihaele Hawaii. Once she graduated from Honokaa High School, she headed off to the bustling city of Honolulu. While working as a waitress she met her husband of 53 years, John Willis. He was in the Coast Guard and is now a retired veteran. As John claims, after three years of chasing her, she finally gave in and agreed to marry him. The two were married on Coast Guard Day, the only day John could get off duty. They remained together until the day she died. The life she lived was all about family and teaching her kids to be kind and honest. With John at sea for months at a time and her not knowing how to drive, her life was challenging but she was strong and her Catholic faith guided her through the tough times. She eventually left the Islands to be with her daughters, at one point living in California and then finally settling in Texas, but her heart was always in the Islands. Betsy is survived by her husband, John Willis; brother Stanley Sasaki of Oahu; sisters Sally Kurtz of Hawaii, HI and Judy Vasconcellos of Oahu, HI; son and his wife, Robert and Sharon Pereira of Oahu, HI; daughter and her husband, Kathleen and Scott DeBaun of Valencia, CA; daughter and her partner, Tiara Willis and Mark Gallant of Keller, TX; and granddaughter, Pascale DeBaun of Valencia, CA. The charity that was dear to her heart was the ASPCA. She never owned a pet, but loved all her grand- dogs and cats so very much. She always gave so generously to help those who have no voice. In lieu of flowers or remembrances, please make a small donation in her name. Funeral Arranged By: Lucas Funeral Home - Keller (817)753-6800 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betsy Tsugie Willis please visit our Sympathy Store.