Kimberly Kay Willis

Kimberly Kay Willis, lovingly known as “Kim,” passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2026.

Kim was born on December 2, 1961, in Claremore, Oklahoma, and was a proud member of the Claremore High School graduating class of 1980. She lived a life full of joy, laughter, faith, and love for the people around her. She never did anything halfway — she was vibrant, full of personality, loved all things glittery and extra, and was truly everyone’s biggest cheerleader.

Kim was a proud retired employee of Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare, where she deeply loved helping children and families throughout her career. Her compassion for others extended far beyond her work and touched every area of her life.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Kim and her husband, Matt Willis, would have celebrated 25 years of marriage this June. Nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her family, especially hosting gatherings, pool parties, and making memories with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Mimi.”

Kim loved summertime, relaxing by the pool, planting flowers, watching hummingbirds, spending time at the lake, and traveling to the beach. She especially enjoyed trips to Branson, cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Sooners, and spoiling her beloved cat, Minka. She was deeply involved in her church family at Catoosa Hills Christian Church, where she participated in the women’s group and regularly hosted weekly Bible study gatherings in her home.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Matt Willis; her children, Kendall Penley and husband Josh Penley, Cody West, Andrew Willis and wife Nicole Willis, Allie Haley, and Josh Haley; her grandchildren, Lo, Drew, Nora, Eli, Addie, and Nick; her mother, Doris Younger; her brother, Doug Younger and wife Sandra; and her beloved niece and nephew, Bailey and Sam.

Kim’s warmth, energy, generosity, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Payne Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Catoosa Hills Christian Church in Catoosa, Oklahoma, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kim’s memory to Catoosa Hills Christian Church. P.O Box 155 Catoosa, OK 74015 (918) 234-3507