Catherine Annadale Willis' Obituary
Catherine Annadale “Kitty” Willis
May 15, 1936 – January 4, 2022
Catherine (Kitty) was born in Arlington County, Virginia on May 15, 1936.
She was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on January 4, 2022. She was the fifth
child out of 10 that was born to Thomas and Dora Annadale. She was
preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Arthur Robert “Bob” Willis,
sisters Edie and Gloria, brothers Joe, Tommy, Leon and David, and foster son
Tom Trogdon. She is survived by her children Bobby (Terri) Willis, Cathy
(Phil) Bell, Tim (Dawn) Willis, foster children Cathy Frye and Owen (Theresa)
Trogdon, sister Esther (Lloyd) Willis, and brothers Jim (Bev) Annadale, and
Larry Annadale. She leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren,
and many others who called her “Grandma Kitty.”
Kitty grew up predominantly in Washington, DC before moving to
Cottage City, Maryland near the end of her High School years. She grew up in
a very musically talented family and developed a love for music at an early
age. Over the years, she played the guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, autoharp,
fiddle and piano. She would sing at weddings, in church, and at many events.
Oh, she loved to sing!
Kitty was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution
award before graduation from Eastern Senior High School in NE Washington,
DC in 1954. She was employed by the National Geographic Society and the
American Trust Bank in Washington, DC before moving to Escondido, CA in
early 1958. She married “Cowboy Bob” on July 8, 1958, and thereafter became
known as “Miss Kitty.”
Kitty graduated from Palomar College and went on to receive her
Bachelor’s degree in education from San Diego State University and worked
with Special Education children for over a decade before retiring in 1986.
Kitty’s faith and walk with God was very important to her, and she
attended Logos Christian Church in Escondido.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
in the chapel at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. 17th Ave. in
Escondido. A viewing will also be in the chapel from 9:00 to 9:30. In lieu of
flowers, contributions can be made to Logos Christian Church and mailed to
27086 Banbury Dr., Valley Center, CA 92082. Condolences may be left at
Alhiser-Comer.com
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?
