She was a 1959 graduate of Sentinel High School in Missoula and was voted first runner-up in the 1961 Miss Montana Beauty Pageant. She was also a 1964 graduate of the University of Montana, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadfield English. Marith retired after fifteen years of Civil Service, where she was a school administrator for Early Childhood Education with the Department of Defense. She was a member St. John's Episcopal Church, Carlisle, where she was a former choir member and participated with the Women of the Well and Twelfth Night. Marith was also a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, the Eastern Star in Missoula, a member of Cantate Carlisle for 10 years, and was a leader of the Show Choir at Carlisle High School. Marith sang professionally and was involved in many Community Theaters while stationed with her husband around the world.

Marith is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 49 years, Col. (Ret) Richard C. Willis, US Army, two sons; James A. (and his wife, Robin) Willis of Terre Haute, IN and Joseph M. (and his wife, Sandra) Willis of Alexandria, VA, one brother, George R. McGinnis of Lakeside, MT, three grandchildren; Zachary, Austin and Katherine Willis and three nieces; Pam, Amanda and Katy. Marith was preceded in death by her sister, Pearl Erny.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 11 a.m. in St. John's Episcopal Church, On the Square in Carlisle, with Rev. Dr. Mark A. Scheneman officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation and fellowship will immediately follow the service in the church parish hall. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.