Fern Willard

Fern L. Willard, 87, of Independence, MO passed away December 27, 2011 at her home. A viewing will take place from 9-10:00 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. service to be held on Saturday, December 31, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shrine Children’s Hospitals. Mrs. Willard was born Fern Volland on July 3, 1924 in Independence and had lived here all of her life. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1942. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Independence, a member of the Independence Young Matrons for more than 60 years, a past president of the Vaile Victorian Society, a member of the Jackson County Historical Society and the Eastern Star. Fern was married to her husband Wayne for 69 years. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Willard; one daughter, Linda Wagener of Florida; three grandchildren, Todd Wagener of Independence, Patrick Slayden of Omaha, and Amy Fitzner of Georgia; as well as seven great grandchildren. Fern was preceded in death by one daughter, Sheryl Slayden.