Helen Dean Willis, 65, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (February 25, 2015) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of Alva and Ellen (Hauke) Willis, she was born May 21, 1949 in Princeton, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Helen is survived by her soulmate, David Ellis of Greentop, Missouri; four sons, Marvin Pruitt of Columbia, Missouri, Ronald Dow of St. Louis, Missouri, David Prim (Amy) of Hamilton, Illinois, and Matt Ellis (Robin Seavey) of Greentop, Missouri; three daughters, Kathy Hale of Navoo, Illinois, Patricia Pruitt of Bethany, Missouri, and Shelly Miller (Larry Biehl) of Kirksville; one brother, Orville Willis of Princeton, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Jessie and Timothy Apanda, Caitlyn Miller, Ethan and Halie Prim, Taz, Tazlene, Richlene, Faith Seavey, Phebe and Fanchine Downen.

Helen's family meant the world to her. She was excited to be called Grandma. Helen will be remembered most by her faith in Jesus Christ. She enjoyed playing Bingo, spending holidays with the family and enjoying her grandkids. While under hospice care, Helen enjoyed Paul playing the guitar for her.

Public visitation will be held Friday (February 27, 2015) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday (February 28, 2015) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Sam Burkholder officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Greentop Cemetery in Greentop, Misssouri.

Pallbearers will be: Marvin Pruitt, Ronald Dow, David Prim, Matt Ellis, William Cullers, Taz Seavey, and Ronnie Gardner. Honorary pallbearers will be Helen's grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Helen Willis Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.