Louise Irene Willard, daughter of John F. Potter and Bernadette Pline Potter, was born February 4, 1931 in Atlantic, Iowa. She passed away Monday morning, October 26, 2026, in her home outside of Lebanon, Missouri. She was ninety-five years, eight months and twenty-two days of age.
Growing up during the Great Depression, Louise had a lifelong work ethic, resilience, and appreciation for the simple blessings in life. She was raised in the small community of Atlantic, Iowa and when she was fifteen years old, she moved with her family to Stoutland, Missouri. She met Bill Don Willard while in school in Stoutland and on August 15, 1949, they were united in marriage. They were married close to fifty-three years before Bill passed away on May 27, 2002. During that time, they welcomed seven children to their family and built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter and love.
Louise is preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Willard; her parents, John and Bernadette Potter; her infant son, Billy Don Willard, Jr.; and two daughters, Candace Sue Willard Harmon and Mary Dawn Willard Williams; and her sisters and brothers.
She is survived by her daughters, Susan Willard-Stephens and her husband Nathan of Lebanon, Missouri and Kimberly Charlene Willard of Sleeper, Missouri; two sons, Bradley Willard and his wife Sandra and David Willard and his wife Andrea, all of Sleeper, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Ann Potter; her brothers-in-law, Bob Willard and Jim Wright; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Louise was a wonderful mother and loved her role as a mom and homemaker. When the children were young, she enjoyed making their clothes. She could also be found watching them in their varied activities. Being their mother was very important to her and she was thrilled when she earned the title of grandma and great-grandma.
Louise also enjoyed reading, gardening, canning and picking up rocks on the farm. She always had a project going on at home. As she did her household chores, you could hear her singing a hymn of praise.
She was also a devoted wife to her husband, Bill. She helped him on the farm and at the racetrack they owned and operated. They also were the proprietors of Willard Rock Quarries, Lebanon Ready Mix and Willard Asphalt Paving. Louise was always very supportive of Bill’s business endeavors.
Above all, her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She was a lifelong member of Sleeper Methodist Church and loved her church family. Her faith, steadfast love, and servant’s heart were evident in the way she lived each day.
Throughout her life, Louise was known for her unwavering dedication to her family, embodying the roles of a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was a haven of warmth, love and laughter where countless memories were created and treasured.
A graveside service for Louise Willard was held Friday, October 30, 2026, at Lebanon Cemetery.
A memorial to Sleeper Methodist Church has been established and memorials may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
