Iva May Willis

Iva May Willis, 95, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.  She was born May 15, 1928 to Ophel Lee Sanders and Beulah Iva Duke Sanders West, ½ mile from the farm she has lived on for over 77 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Robert Eugene Willis, brothers Calvin Lee Sanders and Gene Farris Sanders, sister-in-law Alice Willis Clow, and many beloved family and friends.  

Iva is survived by her children; William Thomas Willis, Richard Lee Willis (Sherry), Sandra May Barker (Charles), Terry Ray Willis (Gail), Robert Alan Sweet, and daughter in law, Della Willis. 

Grandchildren: Bill (Tammy), Brian, Thomas (Jackie), Mandy (Roger), Melanie (Brian), Melissa (Lance), Sean (Jennifer), Carrie, Crystal (Brandon), Lisa, Scott (Stacey), Emily (Ryan) and Aaron. 

Great grandchildren: Kieth, Patrick, Cody (Brittany), Clint (Catherine), Kyle, Hannah, Kyah, Makayla (Zec), Robert (Ayla), RaeLynn, Aiden, Mason, Carson, Miles, Corbin, Max, Mollie, Gabriel, Brealynne, Trent (Athavia), Chloe, Ty, Tate, Karlie, Konnor and Tori.  

Great great grandchildren: Annie, Braylon, Landon, Aria, Charlotte, Dawson, Octavia, and Ivy (on the way).

Sister Nancy (Larry) Burke, sister in law Dixie Sanders and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Iva was a homemaker, cake decorator, past president of Odessa VFW Ladies Auxiliary, past noble grand of Rebekah Lodge Odessa Chapter, held numerous positions in the Order of Eastern Star Odessa Chapter, sponsored two children at Higginsville Habilitation for more than 10 years, and an accomplished business woman.  She was the first woman to be selected by the Odessa Jaycees as an Outstanding Young Woman of Odessa and went on to place fifth in the State.

She worked at Rupert Manufacturing, Combine Insurance, Lonestar Insurance, AAA Auto Club Insurance and Willis Tax Services.  She retired from Insurance at AAA at the age of 64.  At age of 93 she retired her Willis Tax Service business of over 50 years. 

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home. 306 South 2^nd Street Odessa, MO 64076.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the funeral home.  Interment to follow at Greenton Cemetery in Odessa, MO. Memorials suggested to your favorite charity.  Memories of Iva and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO 64076, 816-633-5524.