Dena R. Willard, 87, of Burlington, Iowa, died Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Wapello Specialty Care Center in Wapello.
Born July 22, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of Otis and Myrtle L . Bratt Bridges. She married Alvin Willard on June 20, 1964. He died Aug. 2, 1991.
Dena worked for Champion Spark Plug for almost 30 years, until her retirement in 1999.
She was very accomplished and gifted in crocheting, knitting, sewing and enjoyed sharing her talents with all those she loved. She enjoyed going dancing with her husband, bowling, playing volleyball, playing cards, going to the casino, going out to eat with family, movies, and seeing shows at Players Workshop. She took much pride in attending her granddaughters’ musical concerts.
Dena is survived by her four children; Rick (Anne) Waite of Hanover, Pennsylvania, Susan (John) Van Ness of Genoa, Ohio, Kent Stage of Hagerstown, Ind. and Geraldine (David) Taylor of Burlington; ten grandchildren, Kristina. Eddie, Shannon, Shelby, Remi, Zachary, Katherine. Penelope, Cassandra, and Thorin; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; one sister JoAnn Winterfeld of Swanton, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Edward Waite and Randy Waite, and one brother and one sister.
According to her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established in her memory for the Burlington High School Band or Orchestra.