Betty Willard, 90 of Kearney passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.
Betty was born November 19, 1929 in Stuart, Nebraska to Frank and Rose (Kramer) Hamik. She was raised in Stuart and attended Stuart High School. Betty later attended Joseph’s Beauty School in Lincoln. She was united in marriage to Leland Willard on October 28, 1954 in Stuart, Nebraska. To this union five girls were born: LeAnne, Lori, Lisa, Lynelle and Lichelle. The couple made their home in Kearney and they enjoyed traveling extensively together.
Betty enjoyed staying home to raise her family. As her children grew, Betty began a career with Avon where she was in sales for over 30 years. Betty loved to spend time with her family. She was a gracious host and especially looked forward to cooking for family and their guests.
She was an active member of St. James Catholic Church where she was involved in the Altar Society and Prayer Chain. Betty was a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross and Good Samaritan Hospital. She was an avid bowler and a proud member of the Betty Club.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, LeAnne Lacey and her husband, Mike of Shelton, Lori West of Kearney, Lisa Schwab and her husband, Kent of Silverthorne, Colorado and Lichelle Aden and her husband, Jim of Gothenburg; grandchildren, Jessica Frink (Jeremy, Justin Lacey (Jill, Timmy, Nicole and Dillon West, Sydney Schwab, Kyle Schwab (Elle, Bailey, Grace, Maggie and Sophia Aden; 4 great-grandchildren, Owen and Elliet Frink and Madi and Barrett Lacey; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee Willard; daughter, Lynelle (Willard) Parks; grandson, Isaiah Aden; and her sisters and brothers.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. Father Joe Hannappel will celebrate. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday at the church followed by a 6:00 p.m. rosary/prayer service.