Willa LaRue Farnham-Hart, 94, passed away quietly at her home surrounded by family on May 5, 2023.
Willa was born in Springfield, MO, on December 8, 1928 to Dora M. Ledbetter Farnham and Charles L. Farnham.
After graduating high school in South Dakota, Willa moved back to St. Joseph to attend nursing school. She graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 as a Registered Nurse and began her nursing career. During her career, Willa Worked in acute care, private duty, and nursing home care. She retired from Heartland Health.
Willa met William R. Hart on a blind date at a Valentine's Day dance. They married June 30, 1951 and shared 48 years of marriage. Together they raised four children.
Willa loved to travel and had a go bag packed and ready to go for any adventure: garage sales, auctions, flower sales, fishing, or just to ride in the countryside. Her last big adventure was an Alaskan cruise for her 80th birthday. She loved to work in her flowers and her rock garden.
Willa was preceded in death by her husband Bill Hart (1999), daughter-in-law Sharlene Hart, parents, stepfather Melvin Bullock and stepfather Orville Bates.
Willa is survived by her children: Teresa Hart, of the home; Mel Hart, rural Andrew County; Bill Hart, Dearborn; Alan Hart Willowbrook; Sherry Bennett, Elwood; and Lisa Hart, St. Joseph.
Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Josh Hart, Savannah, Sarah Hart, St. Joseph, Leigh Hart, California; and Brad Hart, Washington. Many great and great great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the charity of the donor's choice, Mosaic Hospice or St. Jude's Children Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, May 10, 2023 after 12:00 noon at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm and the family will receive friends until 8:00 pm.
