Jean Ellen Will

Jean Ellen Will of Hemet passed away March 1st, 2024 at Hemet hospital. Jean was born February 6th, 1938 in San Jacinto to Ben and Eva Thomas and graduated from San Jacinto high school class of 1955 and attended University of Redlands majoring in church organ music. Jean’s parents would spend summers in Wisconsin and it was there that Jean met the love of her life Roland Will. They were married in Merrill, Wisconsin September 22, 1956. Jean and Roland had a farm with dairy cows and while Roland worked in a shoe factory Jean would keep the farm going. She attended Lincoln County Normal School and received a degree in teaching. Son David was born January 29th, 1958 and James was born September 28, 1963. The Wills moved to California in 1964. Jean was an incredibly talented musician. Even at a young age Jean served churches playing the piano or organ. She was often taken out of school to play for funerals. The principal of the school insisted she be paid so she would get 5 dollars. Jean used her musical talents to serve the Lord her entire life. She played at churches in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Wisconsin and was serving St. John’s Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Hemet as organist up until her death. She wrote music that many of her choirs performed and many of her pieces have been published. She was in demand as an accompanist and played for San Jacinto high school choir’s Christmas program in 2023 and played for many local students recitals. Jean taught piano and had many students at St. John’s and gave private lessons as well. Despite Jean’s renown musical talent what endeared her to so many was her kind and gentle spirit. Her love for Jesus and serving His church was the focus of her life. She was a very calming influence. A conversation with Mrs Will seemed to slow life’s hectic pace. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 65 years Roland, and survived by son David (Yvonne) James (Sally) grandchildren Skip Chandler, Nicole Garcia, and Andrew Will, great grandchildren Brynlee and Aden, sister Janice Oakhill and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s, 26410 Columbia Street, at 11:00 on Saturday March 23rd.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests supporting the St. John’s of Hemet school scholarship fund