Willa Ruth (Billups) Kulicke

Willa Ruth (Billups) Kulicke was born November 25, 1942, in Columbus, OH. Willa was one of eight children born to James Lawson Billups and Ruth Mae (Keesee) Billups. She married Klaus-Dieter Herbert Kulicke on March 21, 1964, and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. They raised three daughters together: Dietra, Lisa, and Vicky.

Willa is preceded in death by both parents, her beloved husband Dieter, her siblings Isabelle (Billups) and Don Whisman, Maggie and Allen Billups, Ella Mae (Billups) Higgenbotham, LeRoy Bugger, Jimmy Billups, Danny Billups, Dennis Paul Billups, and great-grandson, Canaan Kulicke.

Willa is survived by her sister Pekah Faye (Billups) Bugger, sister-in-law Robin Billups, her children Dietra Kulicke and Gary Laun, Lisa (Kulicke) and Frank Dopkiss, Vicky Kulicke and Ezell Grigsby, her grandchildren Emily (Kulicke) and Colin Nolan, Klaus Alexander and Kate Kulicke, Madison Dopkiss, Michael Dopkiss, Olivia Dopkiss and Steven Hartnagel, Anthony Grigsby, Gabrielle Dopkiss and Sophia Grigsby, bonus daughter Debbie Huff, great-grandchildren Lilliana, Everleigh and Klaus Rylan Kulicke, Stella and Piper Nolan, and Rain and Bowie Hartnagel.

Willa always demonstrated a powerful work ethic, having grown up contributing on her family’s farm, and later, working at the Pennsylvania railroad, the Brunswick Library, and Bowling Green State University. But the position she was most proud to hold was that of a mother and grandmother. The newborn stage was Willa’s favorite. She had a unique ability to nurture and comfort her babies and shared that special gift with all of her children and grandchildren.

Willa loved Barry Manilow, margaritas, desserts, shopping, Christmastime and cuddling. Her family fondly remembers her many delicious dishes and meal traditions, including fondue, stuffed cabbage, her famous mashed potatoes, German pancakes, and homemade pickles. She was warm and engaging and enjoyed hosting friends and family. She adored the many, many pets her and Dieter had throughout their sixty years together. Willa was steadfast in her beliefs, a force to be reckoned with, and inspired all her girls to become strong, independent women.

A celebration of life for both Willa and Dieter, who passed on March 27th, 2024, is being planned for this summer.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.