"Heartfelt condolences on the loss from this life of one so dear. Memories of Barb?s sweet disposition, smile, laugh, and voice elicit gratitude and thankfulness for a life well lived and for the privilege of knowing such a remarkable woman."
In loving memory of
Barbara L. Willits
March 6, 1938 - May 12, 2023
BARBARA L. WILLITS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Willits, a beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Barbara L. Bowser Willits of Bradenton, FL passed away Friday, May 12th, 2023.
Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home in Muscatine IA, with a service to follow at 12pm.
Barbara was born March 6, 1938, in Muscatine, IA to Delbert Bowser and Ruth (Thomas) Bowser of Illinois City, IL where she was raised on a Farm and there learned a great love for nature, flowers, and animals (especially dogs and horses.)
Barbara was a loving and caring Mother, Sister, Aunt, and close friend to many. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, warmth, kindness, and compassion for others. Her optimism, wisdom, zest for life, and her ability to persevere were an inspiration to all that met her.
She graduated from Reynolds High School and later pursued a career spanning 28 years at Grain Processing Corporation, holding various positions. She enjoyed her work at GPC, the great opportunities, and the wonderful people she worked with.
After retiring in 1993, Barbara enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, planting flowers, moving to Florida to live with her children, walks on the beach, looking for shells, playing with her dog, fun in the sun, and watching beautiful sunsets.
Those left to cherish Barbara's memory are her daughter Dawn Marie (Steve) Padilla, her son Shawn Paul, her sister Jill Bras, nephews Sam and Tyler Bras, and many close friends that were considered family.
Barbara will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Tributes
"I will always have such fond memories of your mom Dawn Marie and Shawn. I know you will miss her terribly. She always made me feel like so was part of the family! "
"Deepest sympathies to Dawn (Steve) and Shawn for the loss of their mother. I posted a few pictures from our sunset cruise for Barb's birthday in March this year. We had a great time celebrating her birthday a day earlier. She seem to really enjoy the river boat cruise. She will be missed."
"Sweet, sweet lady. I'm so glad to have many cherished and fond memories with (Aunt) Barb also known as momma. Dawn Marie and Shawn, prayers for strength and healing."