Willmanette Marie Harnist, 97, of Roanoke passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. She was born May 14, 1919 in Willard, Ohio. Fondly known as Willie, she attended Denison University and was a graduate from the University of Michigan in 1941 where she met and married her husband of 65 years, William A Harnist. They resided in Toledo, Ohio where she was well known and active in the communtiy. She was a long time dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church, was an avid tennis player into her 80’s and was part of the “famous” Lobster group. In addition to raising four kids, Willie was a “fashionista” working at the Lion’s Department Store in better dresses. She was interested in local and national politics and was a registered voter and poll worker. Willie was a member of the Toledo Museum of Art where she took art classes, volunteered and attended concerts. She believed in community service and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Flower Hospital for over 20 years. Willie loved to garden and was a member of the Garden Club. She was also an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Her other interests included reading with frequent trips to the library, travel, riding the ferris wheel and roller coasters at Cedar Point into her 80s, decorating, drinking coffee and spending time in the sun.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Harnist (Robert), Heather Harnist, Jeffrey Harnist (Robin) and Kimberly Harnist; grandchildren, Leilani, Kelsey, April, Holly, Melissa and Emily and 7 great-grandchildren. The staff at Brookdale Nursing Home who loved her dearly became part of her extended family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Amedisys Hospice Care, 5221 Valley Park Dr #2, Roanoke, VA 24019 or Meals on Wheels, 1008 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24016.

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