Lee Robert Willits

Lee Robert Willits, 84, of Basalt, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2007.He was born Dec. 3, 1922, in Glenwood Springs to Bramlet and Dorthy Willits, and married Donna (Rowley) on Dec. 7, 1968, in Aspen. He lived on Willits Lane all of his life. Willits Lane – once called Route 1 – was changed in the 1970s and renamed after the Willits family. Lee was a member of the Good Fellows since the age of 18. Lee loved animals and would read five books a week, even up to his death. He knew so much history about this valley. He would always get calls asking questions about how things used to be. Lee was a kind man, loved by everyone. Such a rare thing to be loved by all.

Lee is survived by his wife, Donna; sons Lloyd (Gena) and Robert (Sherri); five grandchildren – two boys, Seth and Ethan, and three girls, Morgan, Aubrey and Lexie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Bramlet.

There will be a rosary at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, at St. Vincent Church in Basalt. A mass will follow at 10, with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Basalt.The family asks, in lieu of flowers and in honor of Lee, that trees are purchased in Lee’s name from Eagle Crest Nursery in Basalt.