Shirley R. (Kelly) Willard, 76, of Sleeper, died Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Lebanon.
She was born Nov. 18, 1944, in Boyd, Neb. to Merle and Lorena Steinbach Kelly.
On Aug. 31, 1965, she married Robert (Bob) Willard.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Earl Kelly.
Many lives were touched by her work as a nurse. She spent years doing home health care while the boys were young so she could have a flexible work schedule. As the boys left home, she began working as the Director of St. Clair Nursing Home in St. Clair, Mo. Eventually Shirley and Bob moved back to Lebanon, where she worked at Lebanon hospitals.
Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of 15 and lived her life as a testimony to her salvation. She was a longtime member of St. Clair Methodist Church and current member of Sleeper United Methodist Church, where she actively served her God. Her constant optimism and selfless care for others was an inspiration for all of those around her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert (Bob) Willard; two sons, Timothy Willard and his wife Patrice of Union, Mo. and Jeffrey Willard and his wife Joanie of Atlanta, Ga.; her grandsons, Nicholas, Preston and Malachi Willard and her granddaughters, Madison Willard and Terra Mueller and her husband Mark; as well as many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life service for Shirley R. (Kelly) Willard is incomplete at this time and will be announced by Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Shirley have been suggested to Sleeper United Methodist Church. Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
