Graveside services for Barbara Jo Willits, 76, Lawrence, will be 2:30pm Saturday, April 15th at McLouth Cemetery.
Mrs. Willits died Wednesday April 12th at her home.
She was born April 26, 1940, in Tonganoxie, Kansas to George Ambler and Virginia Mary Moore. She graduated from McLouth High School in 1956, and moved to the Lawrence area in 1961.
Mrs. Willits worked at FMC/Peak/ChemTrade from May 1980 to June 2007.
Barbara enjoyed flower gardening and bird watching in her free time. She enjoyed traveling, specifically taking road trips with her husband, Jack. She was an active member of the Lawrence Friends Church for many years, a Girl Scout leader, and was active with the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association.
She married Jack on July 9, 1956 in Lawrence. He died in 1997.
Survivors include daughters, Cheryl Spencer and husband Walt of Lawrence, Kim O’Bryon and husband Dennis of Lawrence; son, John Willits of Lawrence; grandchildren, Russell Spencer, Ryan Spencer, Lanae LaBonte, Jason O’Bryon, Makayla Willits, Jakob Willits, Asheli Barfield, Tristan Willits, Camdon Willits, Caden Willits; great-grandchildren, Kymiah Willits and Ja’nyah Willits.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Willits; children, Deon Willits and Shannon Willits; and grandsons, Jake Spencer and Jack O’Bryon.
A visitation with the family will be held at Rumsey- Yost Funeral Home from 1pm – 2pm on Saturday.
Cheryl, I’m so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Willits Family so sorry for your loss…May she rest in peace…I remember Jack and Barbara walking in front of our house on Pennsylvania St. many times so long ago…Mike, Pam and Terri Hadl…
I work at the P2S5 plant with Barbara and Jack. Barb was alsways the go to person to help getting anything done. She was part of the P2S5 family and will be greatly missed.
Brad
Cheryl, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Kim, I never knew your Mom, but in some way we all carry the influence of our parents with us. So I know she must have been a kind, hardworking and caring person. And she must have been enormously proud of you. May your memories of her and care of friends bring you some comfort in these days.
Many of time your Mother, had Jimmy over, I think some time, she had on more son. Him and Deon, what a group. Our family Thank for being good friends to us.
Cheryl, so sorry to hear about your mom, she was a nice lady
Blessings & peace to you at this time of bereavement.
John I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful person. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep your head up.
My heart goes out to you and your families in your time of sorrow.
I can still see her smile and love she had for her family….Hugs
The world has lost a loving compassionate woman who would do anything to help anyone. What a great daughter, sister mother, grandmother and friend. Gardner Family
Cheryl, Kim and John, was sad to hear of Barb’s passing, I like some of the above posters worked with she and Jack @ the FMC plant, in fact Jack and I started work there on the same day back in early 1960’s. Barb was always ready to help with any project with you. R.I.P
To family of Barbara, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold you in his loving embrace as you remember all the good times you shared with your mom, aunt and grandmother.
Years ago I worked with Barbara with area PTAs, and have always admired her. She was a terrific person and an asset to the community.
Kim, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
For years and years, Barbara was a Vocational Rehabilitation volunteer at the Lawrence DCF office. She loved coming in to work, was so supportive of all of us, and we were just getting ready to celebrate Barbara’s birthday on April 26. If a file was lost, Barbara could find it! We looked forward to the days she was here and chatting about family and politics. Barbara loved telling us about her children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends. She has been missed and will be missed. Our sympathies to all of Barb’s family and friends.
I worked with Barbara at the FMC/Astaris plant and she was a wonderful lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her and occasionally taking her home from work when she didn’t have transportation. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.
I worked with Barbara and Jack at the FMC plant and feel blessed having both of them as a coworkers and as good friends. I will miss listening to his old car stories. Barbara was a good friend and will be missed.