Barbara Willey

Barbara  Jeanne “Bonnie” Willey, 88, of Presque Isle, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026.

She was born September 16, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Florence Fullarton.

Bonnie was a life-long resident of her home state. Bonnie will be remembered most for her unwavering love and devotion to her husband of 68 years, Kenneth Willey, and for the deep love she shared with her family. She was known for her kind heart, boundless energy, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. Her warmth and laughter brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A graduate of Detroit Mackenzie High School and Detroit Business College, Bonnie found great happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time outdoors, tending her gardens, and taking long walks. Music filled her home, and she especially cherished playing the piano. She was an active member of her church choir, enjoyed golfing, and sang with Sweet Adelines.

In Presque Isle, she generously gave her time volunteering at the Presque Isle District Library and the New Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Bonnie treasured every moment spent “Up North” with her family, where she delighted in planning every detail of each visit, creating treasured traditions and lifelong memories for generations of her family.

Throughout her professional career, Bonnie served as an administrative assistant in several roles, including 13-years with the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. During retirement, she continued working at the Rogers City Country
Club, where she brought the same enthusiasm, dedication, and joyful spirit that characterized every aspect of her life.

Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth Willey; her children, Laurie (Richard) Bourbonais, Rob Willey, Leslie (Scott) Little, Kathleen Bayliff, and Coleen Willey; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her beloved sister, Ann Margaret Fullarton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Grand Lake Community Chapel.

Bonnie’s legacy of love, laughter, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bonnie’s memory to: Presque Isle Lighthouses presqueislelighthouses.org or St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit detroitscots.com

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org