Willa Fern Vest

Our beloved Willa Fern Vest, 89, passed away on August 11th, 2024, at The Manor at Elfindale surrounded by her loving family. Willa was born in Halfway MO, on November 15, 1934, to Earnest and Vera Ann (Hoover) Staffen. She attended Bolivar Schools and graduated in the year 1953. She met and fell in love with her soul mate Lyle Vest, and married November 7th, 1952, enjoying an amazing 38 years together. Willa, better known as Granny, made a huge impact on the world around her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, friend, and granny who always offered support, wisdom and love in abundance. She was always full of laughter and resilience, touching the lives of all who knew her. Willa enjoyed tending to her rose bushes, picking her garden, baking the most incredible apple pies, watching and attending sporting events, spoiling grandchildren, and traveling the world. Her unwavering spirit will forever be remembered. Willa is preceded in death by parents, Earnest and Vera Staffen, spouse, Lyle Vest, brother Howard, sisters Maxine and Anna Mae, and great grandson Andy Glendenning. Willa is survived by sister, Wilma Peninger, children Michelle (Harold) Clark, Mildred (Jerry) Mincher, and Tom (Becky) Wilson, grandchildren Amber (Chris)Tennyson, John Clark, Travis (Kimberly) Clark, Tracy (Ken) Harding, Brian (Laura) Burleson, Tony (Amy) Wilson, Mandy (Wally) Wallander, Abby (Roy) Ball, and Angel (Luke) Brown, great grands Adam, Alex (Jessica), and Abby (wife of Andy), Ben (Megan), Hunter, Jaiden, Autumn, Grayson, Everlee, Mavis, Rayna, Jaron, Brendan, Graham, Roy, Jayda, Jenny, Danny, Eli, Ean, Legend, Brenden, Kameryn, Dayton, best friends Bill Tummons, Beverly Wilmott, Audrey Reynolds, favorite neighbor Marc Ferguson, 5 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. On behalf of the family, a special thank you to all the nursing facility staff for the kindness, loving care and friendship so freely given during her stay with The Manor at Elfindale. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bolivar.

Willa Fern Vest

November 15, 1934 - August 11, 2024