Loradean Wills

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Loradean M. Wills, 91, passed away peacefully while sleeping the morning of Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at Luther Oaks in Bloomington. Lori moved from Cape Girardeau to Bloomington in July 2020 to be closer to family.

Lori was born in Zalma, Missouri, Sept. 14, 1930, to Willard R. and Eva Elizabeth Rae Clubb. Along with several friends, Lori and Earl Wills Jr., eloped to Arkansas, where they were secretly married on Dec. 29, 1946. Junior passed away Oct. 25, 1988, at the age of 60.

While raising two daughters, Lori completed a degree in elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1965. She taught school for 31 years in Tamms, Illinois. Lori carpooled with other teachers from Cape to Tamms and, when it wasn't her turn to drive, she would crochet tablecloths and bedspreads for family and friends.

Lori had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed entertaining in her home and backyard. She made hundreds of cookies to share with family and friends at Christmas. She stayed in shape by walking every day and riding her bicycle. An avid gardener, Lori was a recipient of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award.

Lori loved to travel with friends. She took several trips to Europe, where she bicycled through the countryside. Lori was stranded in England on Sept. 11, 2001. She had the privilege of participating in church services that were held in response to 9/11 at Shakespeare's Church in Stratford-upon-Avon and Westminster Abbey in London.

Lori volunteered at Saint Francis Medical Center for many years and was named Auxilian of the Year in 2009. She served as president of the Hospital Auxiliary and chairman of the Saint Francis Foundation and Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. In 2007 she established the Earl Jr. and Lori Wills Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to her husband. Lori was a Girl Scout leader, a charter member of Scope Club, an excellent bridge player, an avid reader and a hospice volunteer.

She loved her family and had a very special bond with her granddaughter, Katie, who helped care for her after she moved to Bloomington.

Lori is survived by her daughters, Becky (Brian) Naber of Normal, Illinois, and Connie (Charles) McCarthy of San Diego; grandchildren, Katie (Craig) Bowars of Bloomington, Chris (Jessi) Naber of Louisville, Kentucky, and Aaron (Anna) Couch of Los Angeles; great-grandchildren, Caden and Chloe Bowars, Macy and Will Naber, and Baby Boy Couch due to arrive in April; brother, Jerry (Pauline) Clubb of Madison, Alabama.

Her parents, husband and three brothers preceded her in death.

The family will gather for a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Luther Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund, 601 Lutz Road, Bloomington, IL 61704 or Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau.

Please share your condolences and memories online at www.beckmemorial.com/obituaries.

Calvert Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.