INDEPENDENCE - Lucille WiIloughby, of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on February 15th, 2022. Lucille was born on September 15th, 1924 to John and Ethel Fox in Independence, MO. She spent most of her youth on the family farm and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1943. She met her husband, Glen Dale McKinley Willoughby while she was working as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell. They married in 1947 and had three children; daughter Glenna Dooley, son Kenneth “Buzz” Willoughby, and son Lee Willoughby, all of Independence, MO. Lucille was a member of the Real McCoys, an extension club of elementary school room mothers formed in the 1950’s. She thoroughly enjoyed the tradition of holiday parties and weekly coffee with her club that continued for several decades. She was also an Avon Lady for over 50 years, something she was very proud of and enjoyed doing most in her retirement. She loved to read, garden, sew, and cook, and the love she poured into these hobbies will forever be remembered & cherished by everyone who knew her. She enjoyed traveling as well, and never met a slot machine that didn’t like her. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Glen Dale McKinley Willoughby; her parents, John and Ethel Fox; brothers, Paul and Charles Fox; sisters, Rose Rohrs, Iva Rohrs, and Martha McNeely; and her son, Lee Willoughby. She is survived by her two children, Glenna Dooley (Kenneth), and Kenneth “Buzz” Willoughby, of Independence; one step grandson, Bradford Dooley; three granddaughters, Rebekah Hobson (Chris) of Ozark, MO., Kristin Dooley of Raymore, MO, and Erika Hinrichs (Kelly) of Independence. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy; Skyler Dooley, Summer Shields, Hunter Shields, Abbie Hobson, Logan Hobson, Amanda Stringer, Hailey Aldana, and Mickey Hinrichs. Lucille also leaves behind many special family members she loved dearly: Viola Miller, Butch Fox, Chuck and Nadine Wright, Dawn and Cameron Higbe, and Terry and Helen Wright. Her door was always open with a seat at the table for everyone, her hospitality and heart unmatched. A visitation to honor Lucille will be held on Friday, February 25, from 1-2:00p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., both at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, MO 64052. Lucille will be laid to rest at Blue Springs Cemetery in Blue Springs, MO. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www. speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)
