Willa Marie Hardy

Willa Marie Hardy, 96, a resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Fredonia. She was born October 16, 1913 in rural Braymer, Missouri, the third of eight children born to Claude and Ollie Myrtle (Cox) Wightman. Willa was a caretaker, helping people in their homes and caring for their children. She later took nurses training and worked as a nurse at Research Hospital during World War II. She then became a teletype operator for TWA for 18 years. While working for TWA, she enjoyed the opportunity to take several trips overseas, as well as visit family living in other states. She visited her parent"s home frequently and often brought friends along for a visit to the country. On May 3, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri, she married Howard Lanning Hardy. The Hardy"s made their home on Cardinal Valley Farm, in rural Wilson County, Kansas. After Willa was married, she became a homemaker, artist and wrote poetry, with which she had two books published. Willa also enjoyed quilting, needlework, and gardening and had a love for animals. She was a member of the New Albany United Methodist Church. Her husband, Howard, preceded her in death April 19, 2004. Willa"s survivors include: Three brothers: Winifred Wightman of Kansas City, MO Buford Wightman of Norborne, MO Robert Wightman of Olympia, WA Willa was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Howard and Verne Wightman and two sisters, Lenora North and Anna Light. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, February 5, 2010 at the Timmons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charlotte Coates of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Willa"s name with the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia and with the New Albany United Methodist Church and may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.