Shirley Ruth Willis

Shirley Ruth Tucker Willis, 74, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 1:45 PM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Gary Loomis will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.

Friends and Family are invited to Shirley's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, February 9, 2026, the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.

Shirley was born August 14, 1951, in Malden, MO, to Charles and Betty Poston Tucker. She married Rickie Willis on June 19, 1970, in Louisiana, MO. He survives.

Other survivors include her children, Richard (Malisa) Willis of Lebanon, MO, Charles Willis of Hannibal, MO, Sara Jeffries of Palmyra, MO, Amy (Doug) Miller of Shelbina MO, Mary (Rodney) Heffernan of Canton, MO, 22 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, brother, Norman Patrick Tucker of Ewing, MO, special cousin, Marilyn Kaye Owens of Marion, IN and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, son, Joshua "Josh" Brent Willis and stepmother, Frances Tucker.

Throughout her life, Shirley held various jobs, including Breakfast Manager at Hardee's, and worked at Diemakers, Motorola, Tasty Freeze, while also dedicating many years as a homemaker. No matter her role, Shirley always gave her all.

She had a true green thumb and took great pride in her flower garden. Shirley enjoyed canning green beans and tomatoes and loved spending time camping in their motor home. She served as a campground host at Missouri State Parks and later at Indian Creek Campground. Traveling brought her joy, with favorite trips including Mount Rushmore, Virginia Beach, Florida, Ohio, and the Bootheel region of Missouri.

Shirley loved Christmas and decorated as soon as she could after Thanksgiving and sometimes even before. She enjoyed watching NCIS, All in the Family, and Mama's Family. She was talented at sewing, making clothes for her children when they were young, and later found joy in quilting. Shirley served as a Girl Scout leader, taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and was a room mother.

Outgoing and full of love, Shirley never met a stranger. She was a natural caretaker and found great joy in being a great-grandmother. She loved animals, making cinnamon rolls and cookies, and even enjoyed fudge on crackers. Shirley cherished taking pictures and videos, savoring a good cup of coffee, and enjoying ice cream at Dairy Queen. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Lodge in Clarksville, Missouri, and loved listening to the Oak Ridge Boys, Statler Brothers, Christmas songs, and Ray Stevens.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous heart, joyful spirit, and the love she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Shirley was a member of Mission Hill Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Heffernan, Mark Kiefer, Kaleb Willis, Doug Miller, Drew Jeffries, and Cordell Willis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Shirley's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NEMO Humane Society.