Inken (Engel) Willis Obituary

Inken (Engel) Willis died peacefully Dec. 31 2019, at 78-years-old in her home in San Antonio, Texas. She was born March 8 1941, in Witten, Germany to Agnes Engel and Dr. Heinz. When she was just 18-years-old she came to the United States and met her husband and the love of her life, Leslie Elbert Willis Jr. She spent the majority of her adult life as a resident of San Antonio. 

Inken (Engel) Willis

Willis was a fervent home maker. She had six wildly different children whom she spent her time raising into incredible adults. Along with her full-time job as a mother, she volunteered as an advocate for children that were victims of abuse for numerous years. Once her children moved out of the house, she discovered her passion for traveling and playing tennis. Willis was extremely talented on the tennis court and played frequently. She never limited her travels, experiencing every part of the world she possibly could.

Willis was lovingly known as Omi by her grand children, and ultimately everyone who knew her. Omi is a term often used for "grandmother" in the German language. This is just one example of many as to the way people felt about Willis. Willis was a friend to all, the life of every party. She was a matter-of-fact, headstrong woman, German from the bottom of her heart. She was ardently stuck in the habits of her life. Willis was compassionate and soft-spoken. She had a great sense of humor. She loved happy hour margaritas and betting on her favorite horse at the racetrack. Next to pulling a slot machine in Las Vegas, her greatest love was spending time with her children, grandchildren and numerous friends.

Willis is preceded by her parents, her husband Leslie Elbert Willis Jr., stepdaughter Beverly Ann Culbreath and her sisters, Heide Tibbs and Antje Kecskes. 

Willis with some of her children
and grandchildren    

 

She is survived by her four children: Lee (Lorie) Willis, Heide Langdon, Christina Komet and Kevin (Kelly) Willis, as well as her stepdaughter Cindy Blanks. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Colton, Mason, Wyatt and Kylee Willis and Sarah, Alexander and Evan Komet; Russell Blanks, Kara Irvine, BJ Gabbert, Inken Meyers and Addison Isaacs; Drew, Parker and Klaire Willis. 

Willis grew up as a member of the Lutheran Faith. She has consistently loved the lord. In recent years, Willis spent time at the Community Bible Church in San Antonio, making friends and worshipping. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Child Advocates San Antonio. A private family service will be followed by a Celebration of Life.