BEEKMANTOWN-Willis Gonya, 91, of Point au Roche Rd, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Plattsburgh on December 3, 1931 the son of Carl and Florence (Monty) Gonya.

Willis attended a one room school house at a young age, once he got older, he attended Campus School in Plattsburgh.

He married the former Ruth Mound on July 15, 1961 in Glens Falls, NY.

Willis owned and operated his dairy and crop farm for many years in the area.

Willis was a member of the West Chazy Community Church, the Point au Roche Station 2 Beekmantown Fire Department and the North Country Squares. He was involved in many activities through the years, some of which includes, 20 years on the Town Planning Board, the local Agrimark Committee, and was instrumental in forming the local Ag District. In 1985 he received a farmer of the year award from Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District. Willis enjoyed being outdoors and working in his garden.

Survivors include his wife Ruth Gonya of Beekmantown; sons Carl Gonya of Beekmantown, Thomas (Elin) Gonya of Beekmantown; daughter Susan (Dana) Richards of Beekmantown; sister Evelyn Bennett of Peru; grandchildren William Gonya, Nathanael Gonya, Dana Richards Jr., Daniel Richards, Annika Gonya; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Saturday, October 14th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the R.W. Walker Funeral home in Plattsburgh.

A funeral will follow at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. A private burial for the family will follow at the Point au Roche Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Point au Roche Station 2 Beekmantown Fire Department in memory of Willis.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.