Willard Russell Lansberry

LEHMAN — Willard Russell Lansberry of Lehman passed away peacefully at his birth home on Dec. 31, 2024, at the age of 99.

He was the son of the late Lawrence and Agnes Loretta Major Lansberry. Born into a farming family, he would continue the tradition for his entire life. Willard served with the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II; and upon returning home, expanded the family dairy farm.

In 1962, he married Wilma Mae Weidner of Fernbrook, and then went on to have three children. Together, they would work tirelessly on the farm, enjoying the lifestyle while preserving it for generations to come. In later years, Willard personally cared for his loving wife throughout her diagnosis with Alzheimer's until her passing in 2012. His legacy will most definitely live on with family and friends for many years to come through the memories and the stories he told.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his wife, the former Wilma Weidner; and aunt, Sarah Elizabeth Major; along with several other aunts and uncles.

He is survived by children: Deborah Misson (William), of Hunlock Creek; Russell Willard (Mary), of Lehman; and Larry (Becky), of Harveys Lake; grandchildren: Heather Llewellyn (Ryan), Thomas Perry (Chelsea Richards), Joshua Perry (Elise), Sarah Vito (Michael), Lucas Lansberry (Kelsey Pritchard), and Justin Lansberry; great-grandchildren: M. J., Lanna, Rhys, Willa, Lainey, and Clark; and his companion cat of 18 years, Puffy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, from Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with pastor Rocky Bonomo of Sweet Valley Church of Christ, officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Lehman Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612; or to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Condolences may be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kristen from Aveanna Healthcare, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Home Instead Senior Care, and Curatio Healthcare for their compassionate and loving care over the years.