Joan Willis

Joan Willis Joan Willis, age 84, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017, at Morningside Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. She was born the daughter of John Gerhardt and Georgia Collins Gerhardt on October 7, 1932, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Her family moved to Chillicothe during her high school years, and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1951. Joan then attended and graduated from Chillicothe Business College. She was united in marriage to Ralph Willis, Jr. on May 11, 1958, in Chillicothe, MO. She was co-owner of Mart Pharmacy from 1983 until 1995 when the business was sold to Hy-Vee. Joan was an avid reader, was artistic, and very witty. She always selflessly gave to others by anonymously donating to those in need. Joan was very talented. At the onset of 9 years old she sang and tap danced at various venues bringing smiles to those who watched her perform. During her teen years she sang in her brothers highly acclaimed orchestra band.  Survivors include two sons, Jim Settle and wife Stephanie of Clearwater, Florida, and Larry Settle and wife Kammie of Chillicothe, Missouri; two daughters, Jennifer Surface and husband Ed of Kansas City, Missouri, and Melanie Christie and husband Charles of Paradise Island, Bahamas; seven grandchildren, Gretchen Smires  of Longview Texas, Holly Thomson  of Parkville Missouri, Lara Hernandez of Houston, Texas, Abrey Parr of Chicago, Illinois, Sam Settle of Chillicothe, Carleigh Christie of Paradise Island Bahamas, and Will Settle of Overland Park Kansas; eight great grandchildren; and three sisters, Barbara Rogers, Linda Faubion, and Pam Scott and husband Jerry, all of Chillicothe, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph Willis, Jr., a brother-in-law Paul Faubion, and a brother-in-law Harry Rogers. Graveside services will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. There is no scheduled family visitation. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, from 12 noon until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Help and may be left at or mailed to the Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601.Online condolences maybe left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.