Bessie Jane Willard

Bessie Jane Willard, age 71, of Niles, MI, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 8:08PM, in her home with loved ones by her side. She was born on January 25, 1952, the daughter of Troy and Grace (Gunn) Wilson in Caraway, AR. On July 4, 1970, she married Calvin Willard in St. Charles, IL.

She is survived by her son, Brad Willard of Elkhart, IN; two grandchildren, Brandon Willard and Trenton Willard; five sisters, Shirley Darlene, Connie, Dorothy, Tammy, and Sherry; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 50 years, Calvin Eugene Willard on May 14, 2021; a son, Michael Eugene Willard on August 8, 2006; and two sisters, Glenda and Bonnie.

Jane enjoyed spending time with her vision impaired support group, known as the “VIP” and sharing silly stories with them. She drove a school bus and worked at a few area factories over the years. She loved telling the story about her work as a “stripper at a cat house”… where she removed the extra carpet from manufactured cat houses! As you may have figured out by now, Bessie / Jane had a great sense of humor and was a joy to be around. She enjoyed working outside, gardening, flowers, bird watching, and going on cruises. She also loved reading fantasy fiction and Amish literature. She was an incredibly strong woman who successfully managed her home, inside and out, while being the sole caregiver for her husband during his prolonged illness.

Cremation will take place at Legacy Cremation & Remembrance Center in Ligonier, IN. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to myeloma.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.thelegacyremembered.com