Martha Neal "Boots" (Powell) Willett

Obituary

Martha Neal “Boots” Willett, 92, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 7:00 PM Friday, November 15, 2019, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Friday, November 22, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hannibal.  Fr. Mike Quinn will officiate.  Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Martha’s life will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, November 21, 2019, with a rosary service held at 4:30 PM at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in Hannibal.

Martha was born on July 6, 1927, in Hannibal, MO the daughter of Lionel and Ruby (McDermott) Powell.

She was united in marriage to William “Bill” Willett on July21, 1956, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hannibal, MO.  He survives her.

Other survivors include her children, Joe Willett and wife Karla of Daphne, AL, Eddie Willett and wife Janet of Hannibal, MO, daughter-in-law, Lisa Willett of Hannibal, MO; grandchildren, Nick Willett (Jen) of Springfield, MO, Ben Willett of Daphne, AL, Beau Willett (Jam) of Mesa, AZ, Lucas Willett (Breeanne) of Mesa, AZ, Annie Massie (Brent) of Hannibal, MO; great grandchildren, Chace Massie, Gabby Willett, Lukas Willett, Mica Willett, Noah Willett, and Oliver Willett; sister-in-law, Alma Powell, and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Boots was preceded in death by a son, Bob Willett, brothers, Wayne Powell and Herbie Powell, and sister, Margie Hart.

Martha graduated from McCooey High School in 1945.  Professionally she worked as a legal secretary for Wasinger-Parham-Morthland Law Firm before her retirement.

Martha was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed volunteering at Douglas Community Services with the RSVP program.

Martha had a love for music and enjoyed singing in the Happy Wanderers singing groups at local nursing homes and in the Holy Family Church Choir.  Boots also enjoyed putting together puzzles when time allowed, praying the rosary multiple times daily, and watching sports especially her children and grandchildren.  Boots will be remembered by her family and friends for her homemade apple dumplings, goulash and green Jello salad that consist of exactly 215 marshmallows.

Boots’s biggest love was her family.  She cherished every family get-together and special events with her family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Nick Willett, Ben Willett, Beau Willett, Lucas Willett, Steve Fohey, Mark Fohey, and Tom Murphy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church Choir or Douglas Community Services RSVP Program, in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Boot’s memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com

Douglas Community Services RSVP
Hannibal MO 63401

Holy Family Catholic Church Choir