Esther Fern Willis passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 in Maple Wood Care Center.

She was born in Carthage, MO and spent her childhood years on a farm in Lawrence County.  She graduated from Ash Grove High School and later moved to Springfield, MO.  She and her late husband, Wilbur Willis, owned and operated Willis Jewelry until 1977.  They also opened their home as approved housing for MSU (formerly SMS) girls.

In addition to her husband Wilbur, she was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Lucy Stines.

Esther is survived by her adopted families, Teresa and Darrell Mead of Springfield, MO and Janie and Denny Keene of Willard, MO; grandson, DJ Mead of Springfield, MO; special, life-long friend, Virginia Snyder of Springfield, MO; along with other friends and cousins.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 31, 2018 in Hazelwood Cemetery.  Informal visitation in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m., Thursday.  Online condolences may be left at www.gormanscharpf.com .