Obituary of Rita Willard

Rita S. Willard (nee Brooks) Age 90. At rest Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Born in Joliet to the late William and Mary Jane (nee Maloney) Brooks, she was a lifelong resident. Member and past President of Stone City Post Ladies Auxiliary #2199. Rita enjoyed bowling with the Senior League at Town and County Lanes. An avid Bingo player and Chicago Cubs fan. Survived by her loving daughter, Patti (Scott) Cruise of New Lenox; five grandchildren, Jordan and Noah Cruise, Robert Popovich Jr., Jennifer (Ian) Blazekovich and Scotty Popovich; four great-grandchildren, Brooke, Lorenzo, Tony Blazekovich and Drew Popovich; one sister, Helen (late Robert) Gourley of Joliet; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded by her first husband, George "Chorky" Popovich; second husband, Clarence Willard; her son, Robert Popovich; one sister, Mary Jane (Eugene) Corum; and one brother, Francis (Millie) Brooks. Funeral Services for Rita S. Willard will be held Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500.