Barbara J. Willis

Barbara J. Willis, 88, of Lafayette, passed away at 1:03 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Franciscan Health of Lafayette.

  She was born November 9, 1933 in Sparta, Wisconsin to the late Lee and Mildred (McCumber) Rooker and was a 1951 graduate of Sparta High School.

  Shortly after graduation, Barb met the love of her life, John M. Willis, while he was stationed in Sparta.  The couple was soon married back in John’s hometown of Ft. Worth Texas in 1952.  Barb was the homemaker raising their seven children while the family moved to follow John’s career.  In 1960, the family moved to Otterbein, IN where they would settle until her husband John’s death in 1984.  Soon after she would move to Lafayette.

  Mrs. Willis was a longtime member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and enjoyed her memberships at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Moose Lodge of Lafayette.

  Barb retired as a dietician from St. Elizabeth after 18 years.

  Barb was a great mom.  She loved spending time with her family during the holidays.  She enjoyed dancing, playing cards and attending church every Sunday night.  She also enjoyed her flowers and gardening. 

  Surviving are her children, Michael Willis (wife: Stephanie) of West Lafayette, Judy Ivanow (husband: Gene) of Coral Springs, FL, Mark Willis (wife: Martha) of Lafayette, Scot Willis (wife: Lynette) of Lafayette, Chris Willis of Lafayette, Bruce Willis (wife: Angie) of Racine, WI and Kathrine J. Willis of Lafayette.  Barb cherished her 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

  Preceding her in death with her parents and husband is a brother, Harley Rooker.

  Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at 11 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2021 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church (1916 Meharry St.  Lafayette, IN).  Private family only interment to follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Cemetery, West Lafayette.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church.