Willa Mae Franklin Hankey, daughter of James Everett and Katheryn Elizabeth Franklin was born Dec 4, 1922. Willa was preceded in death by her four older brothers and husband, Ralph Hankey of 64 years. She leaves three daughters, Barbara Adams of Bolivar, Karon Starr and husband Mark of Bolivar, and Jane Hollensbe and husband Bruce of Olathe, Kansas. Willa also leaves seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Willa grew up on a farm in Rondo, became a Christian at age 12 where she attended the Rondo Baptist Church. Her family later moved to Bolivar where she graduated high school. In her younger married years, Willa was a hairdresser in Buffalo where she owned Willa's Beauty Nook. After retirement, she and husband Ralph moved back to Bolivar and lived there for over 40 years. In her last three years, Willa resided at Parkview Health Care until her peaceful passing on April 24. She has been a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar since June 28, 1981. Willa not only had a strong Christian belief but also strongly believed in her mental and physical health. Even at 102 years old, you could find her any day of the week in PT, (or as she liked to call it, the gym), where she enjoyed riding the stationary bike for 20 minutes, three to five times a week. She actively participated in Bingo and Dominoes, along with other activities. She was a positive influence to all she met. She will be greatly missed.
Services for Willa, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Southern Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the church. Burial will follow services in the Greenwood Cemetery.
