Gladys Willis

Funeral services for Gladys Ione Willis, 98, of Bettendorf, will be 10:00 am on Wednesday at the Moline Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Family will greet friends on Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf.

Gladys passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at her home in Bettendorf. Gladys Sulflow was born to Carl and Erna (Becker) Sulflow on November 16, 1923, in Lewisville, Minnesota. When Gladys was in second grade, the family moved to Mankato, Minnesota.  Gladys graduated from Mankato Sr. High in 1941. After graduating from business college, Gladys worked for Prudential Insurance. During this time, she taught tennis, won the city tennis championship, and bicycled throughout Minnesota.

Gladys married Gerald Willis on December 11, 1948, and they moved to Rochester, Minnesota.  After 62 years of marriage, Gerald passed away on October 21, 2011.

Gladys worked for the American Board of Radiology for 30+ years. During this time, Gerry and Gladys took people who were in need of a place to stay and other assistance into their home while being treated at Mayo Clinic. From their efforts and the help of many others, the “Hands of Compassion” ministry was formed and is still active under the oversight of the Rochester Church of Christ.

In 1998, Gerry and Gladys moved to Bettendorf, Iowa to be near their son, Steve. They became active members of the Moline Church of Christ.

Survivors include her son, Steve Willis of Bettendorf; grandson, Mark (Tara) Willis; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn, all of North Liberty, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to Hands of Compassion, 840 W. Center St., Rochester, MN 55902.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-

Chambers.com.