Ann McGregor Willard Bevans
Ann McGregor Willard Bevans
September 8, 1939 – August 15, 2021
Ventura – Our beautiful mother and grandmother Ann passed away peacefully Sunday, August 15, 2021. Our hearts are broken yet we know she is dancing in heaven and free from the challenges that life has given her these last years.
Ann brought much love and laughter as she arrived in this world on September 8, 1939 to Ted (James Edmond) McGregor and Margaret (A. Sampson) McGregor in Ogden, Utah. She was the first child in their family followed by her siblings Jim, Ted, Jean, Mary Kay, Marci and Lisa. She had a childhood in Utah full of adventures and from the beginning lived life to the fullest. She excelled at everything she did from being an excellent student, an amazing seamstress, a lovely pianist, a great dance partner as shown by winning a waltz contest and a beauty queen as she was crowned (with a foil crown no less) Miss Riverdale. One of her fondest memories was being a cheerleader at Weber High School. Ann’s flair for fashion, color and attention to detail were apparent from a young age as she brought class and style to everything in her life.
After High School Ann married Calvin Willard and had four children, Michael, Leslie, Stacy and Holly. They settled in California with their young family in the early 1960’s. Ann was always the biggest cheerleader and supporter of her children and proud of each one of them. During their younger years Ann was a homemaker and poured her heart into her children by volunteering with all of their activities. Ann enjoyed singing in choirs and acting in plays through our church during these years.
In the mid 1970’s Ann was divorced and that is when she went out into the world to work. Her first position was at Korb’s Trading Post as a sales person. Once they saw her quick wit, talent, and creativity she joined their advertising team. Ann enjoyed her years there and was able to use the skills learned in her newfound career to then work in the advertising department at the Ventura Star Free Press until her retirement 25 years later. After retirement she joined the staff at the Ventura Music Festival as Director of Operations for many years.
Ann met a dear man, John Bevans while working at the newspaper. After many years of friendship and dating Ann and John eventually married. They made many wonderful memories as they traveled the country and the world together until John’s passing in 2005.
Above all else the most important thing to Ann was her family. She shared with her children and grandchildren her love of the arts and often gifted tickets to life experiences where the whole family would attend musicals, concerts, exhibits and stage plays together. The family also joined alongside her in volunteering to support our local community in many ways. Throughout Ann’s life she continued to do what she could to make a difference in the lives of others, she opened her heart and home to those that crossed her path and needed a hand.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her children Michael Willard (Israel Vega), Leslie Lewey (David), Stacy Henderson, Holly Coggins, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and her six siblings.
These last years of Ann’s life were challenging as she navigated Dementia. We are forever grateful for the loving care that she received from the Aegis Living staff over the last two years of her life, they were truly a blessing to her.
If you would like to honor Ann’s memory, offer a kind deed that makes someone’s day a little brighter!
A family service will be held at sea as we honor her wishes by scattering her ashes in our beautiful Pacific Ocean. If you have a memory of Ann to share with us we would love to hear your stories. They can be emailed to awillard4@juno.com.