Maryon Willyard

Maryon Willyard, of Allegan, Michigan passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan at the age of 97. Maryon was born December 13, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Duncan and Maryon (O’Connor) Metcalfe. She graduated from Avalon High School, Pittsburgh, PA, in 1941. Moving with her family to Grand Rapids, Michigan in the early 1940s, she enjoyed farming and running her vegetable stand at the corner of 54th St. and Division Avenue. It was at this stand that she met her future husband, Kenneth Willyard. They had been married nearly 60 years at his passing in 2009. She and Ken lived in Wyoming, Michigan until his retirement from the Chessie System Railroad in 1982 when they moved to their home on Lake Allegan. Maryon is survived by her two sons, Terrence (Nancy) and Dennis (Sue); three grandchildren, Angela (Aaron) Shepherd, Elizabeth (Chris) Coleman, and Valerie (Dan) Kowalski. Five great grandchildren, Benjamin and Silas Shepherd, Declan Coleman, and Everett and Ethan Kowalski. A sixth great grandson is expected in May to parents Chris and Liz Coleman. Also surviving are sister-in-law Doris Edwards, brother-in-law Keith (Marilyn) Willyard, sister-in-law Jeannine (Tooge) Willyard, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her long-time cat companion, Twirlin’ Merlin. Maryon was a unique individual of many talents. An avid card player, she was passionate about playing solitaire and beating all who were gullible enough to challenge her to a game of rummy. She had a keen interest in stamp collecting and had a green thumb and was proud of her gardening skills. She made it her mission to revive forlorn plants, no matter how sad and bedraggled they appeared to onlookers. This dedication was symbolic of her persistent rooting for life’s underdogs - be they human, animal, or plant life. An excellent musician, she played her Fender guitar and Hammond B3 organ well into her 90’s. She loved blues and soul music, having an affection for rock and roll and Rolling Stone magazine – an unusual trait for someone of her generation. She did it her way for 97 years! To honor her memory, Maryon would ask us to be kind to one another and help the needy. The family wishes to thank Briarwood Assisted Living and Hospice of Holland for their loving and compassionate care. Special thanks to one-of-a-kind Hospice Nurse, Andrea. Heartfelt thanks also to Dawn Folwarski of Home Helpers. Dawn was there to lovingly assist Maryon in remaining in her lake home well into her 96th year. A private burial has taken place and a memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home Marshall Gren Chapel: 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please direct memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland or to organizations assisting the needy.