Paula Hornbeek

Paula Jean Hornbeek, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Lutheran Home.

She was born June 9, 1935, in Hecla, South Dakota, to Frank Cecil and Eileen G. Corliss Maynard.

She and Gene Laverne Willis Sr. were married in 1953 in Springfield, Illinois. He preceded her in death in February 1981. She later married James Albert Hornbeek on Nov. 14, 2000, at Pocahontas, Arkansas. He preceded her in death Nov. 12, 2018.

Paula worked as a library clerk in central Illinois.

She was a member of Mount Auburn Christian Church. She also belonged to Illinois State Rifle Association.

Survivors include two sons, Gene Laverne (Jill) Willis Jr. of Sparta, Tennessee, and Tim (Erica) Willis of Jackson; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents and husbands.

Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, June 23, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 23, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Casey Elmore officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 28566, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.