Elsie Willits, 97, Garrison, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Garrison Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. Burial will be at the Garrison City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 to 9 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Elsie was born May 22, 1914 in Coleharbor, ND to Jacob and Katherine (Richter) Metz. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison.

Elsie married James Willits on December 22, 1935 at the Jacob and Katherine Metz farm. They made their home in Garrison for most of their married life. They lived a short time in Fargo, ND before returning to Garrison. Elsie moved into the McLean Manor in Garrison in 2001.

Elsie's greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to cook, bake, can, play cards, crochet, and have her Manor friends in for supper. She loved to quilt, and made many beautiful quilts for her family and friends. In her later years, she started crocheting afghans, dish rags, and hangers, and gave them to anyone that came to see her. She always wanted to give you something when you came to visit.

Elsie was survived by her children, Gene (Jackie) Willits, Ogden, UT; Judy (Duane) Betz, Garrison; grandchildren and their families, Craig (Carrie) Willits, Melissa Willits, Mike (Vicki) Betz, Chad (Amy) Betz, Scott (Lydia) Betz, Virgil (Shantel) Keele, and Adam (Amber) Keele.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James, son, Russell Willits, grandson, Robin Willits, great grandson, Jamison Betz, 6 sisters, and 4 brothers.