Joan M. Willey
July 14, 2011
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Service Details
Joan M. Willey, born to William J. and Florence Evans on May 19, 1931, in Madrid, Iowa, took her last breath here on Earth and took her first breath in the arms of her Savior, on Thursday, July 14, 2011.
At an early age in her life, the family moved to Des Moines where she attended school and graduated from Des Moines Tech. Soon after graduation, she married her lifelong love, Vernon L. Willey, Sr. and made their home in Altoona. From their union of souls, six children were brought into this world.
Her journey continued on to include: mother to many generations, managing rock bands (Soul Vibrations), long time member of the Legion Auxiliary where she was Commander and Chaplin, member of the Altoona Kitchen Band, and she was a lifelong member of the Christian Church.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ann Rowe; husband and son, Rick T. Willey. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Darwin) Buckley; sons, Vern (Vicky) Willey, Tom (Judy) Willey, Clay (Connie) Willey, and William (Kande) Willey; 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 18, 2011, at Altoona Christian Church, 2890 1st Avenue South, with burial following at Altoona Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW.
Memorial contributions may be made to Altoona Christian Church in loving memory of Joan.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jen (Reis) Sampers
07/17/2011
To the Willey Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. My thoughts are with you all at this time of loss.
Kay Anthony
07/17/2011
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the death of your Mom. I worked for Dr. Melva Newcomb and have such fond memories of your Mom and Dad. They always had such a positive outlook on life and when I would encounter a "bump in the road" in my own life, I thought of them many times. I was lucky to get to know some of you personally, but felt I knew all of you through conversations with your parents. My Mom went to Heaven in April of this year, so I know what you are feeling. I miss her every day, the hugs, the phone calls and telling her what a wonderful Mom she was. I know it is so hard to let them go, but would be so selfish to want them to stay. I will pray for you as you go through this difficult time.
Kay Anthony
Karen Middleton
07/17/2011
So sorry to hear about your Mom, you always think Moms are with you forever.... They are in spirit. I always loved your mom's spunk especially hearing stories of her tap dancing. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Eric Borseth
07/16/2011
Clay and family,
My sincerest sympathies for the loss of your mother.
May your heart and soul be comforted with the love of God and the knowledge that she is with our Lord now.
Make sure you draw on your friends at this time of need.
God bless you and your family,
Eric Borseth
Sandy South
07/15/2011
So sorry about your loss Willey Family, My prayers are with you all
during this time of sadness.
Just think, she is in heaven with her husband and son. What a wonderful
thing that is, Right. Jesus is holding all of them in the palm of
his hand.
I was fortunate enough to have met Joan a few times, she always made
me laugh. Wonderful lady she was, and I mean lady.
With Deepest Sympathy and My thoughts are with you now and always.
Love,
Sandy K. South
Verndale, Minnesota
Bill Rowe
07/15/2011
Aunt Joan was such a sweet person. I especially like her voice. I never heard her sing but my grandparents (her mom and dad) were very proud of her singing.
My family was always warmly welcomed in the home she and Uncle Vernon created. We will miss her.