Leona Thompson Willett

Leona Ruth Thompson Willett, 92, of Salem, Virginia, passed into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. The race is finished, and the victory has been won. What a race she ran as she enters heaven to join the cloud of witnesses.

Leona was preceded in death by her loving parents, Elbert and Fannie Thompson; ten brothers; three sisters, her devoted husband, Robert Willett Sr.; and her precious sons, Robert Willett Jr. and Benjamin Willett. She is survived by granddaughters; Heather Case and husband, Travis, Lauren Norville and wife, Jamie; grandsons; Christopher Willett and wife, Carla; Jonathan Willett and wife, Kristie; great-grandsons, Mason and Jaxon Case, Cameron Willett, and Landon Willett; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Willett. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Peggy Thompson, Jenny Thompson, and Elaine Thompson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly.

Leona was a woman whose life radiated love, creativity, and a steadfast faith. A lifelong follower of Christ, she was a devoted member of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church and formerly Central United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully in many roles-including church secretary, guest organist, and as a piano teacher to countless children. Her musical gifts and talents blessed many services, events, and family functions. As a proud member of the Sugar Loaf Garden Club, Leona used the beauty found in God's creation to create award-winning flower arrangements. A memory she spoke fondly of was winning May Queen while at Fort Lewis. Leona could play nearly any piece of music set before her, and she had a knack for creating outfits from a simple pattern, some fabric, and her sewing machine. Though dementia later dimmed many of her memories, it never stole the light of her musical spirit as she blessed others with her music.

Leona Ruth's most cherished titles were Child of God, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Grandma. As a dedicated United States Air Force wife, she embraced a life of service, grace, and adaptability. Whether organizing fashion shows, hosting dignitary luncheons, or welcoming new families to base, she made every place feel like home. Her abiding love for her husband Bob-her "Robear"-was a shining example of devotion. When Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Leona cared for him with patience and compassion that reflected her strength and unwavering love.

Being a mother and homemaker was the role she was born to embrace. Her two boys, Robbie and Benji, were the center of her world. They always knew she was a phone call away and would move mountains to answer the call. Her tenacious spirit to want the best for those she loved was simply unmatched. When Leona became a grandmother, she always found time to enjoy her grandchildren whether it was driving to visit them, taking them during summer break, or hosting them for overnight sleepovers. Rob's four kids became her great joy as she knew what each one needed to feel loved. She would make macaroni and cheese, pork chops, chicken divan, key lime pie, rice Krispy treats…which were favorites and was always the first to bring homemade potato soup over when someone wasn't feeling well. Leona used food as a communication tool to share her love and everyone who entered that house on Bridle Lane left knowing how much they were loved.

Leona found joy in the little things like fresh mint in a glass of tea, snapping beans on the back porch, swinging with her grandchildren under the carport, and inventing stories about a made-up character named Poopdey-Dooey. She delighted in walking through the garden for fresh vegetables, sledding down her backyard in the snow, making paper dolls, clipping recipes from a magazine, and telling funny jokes often giggling before the punchline. She was known for her ability to chat on the phone, thanks to the longest phone cord which stretched from the kitchen to the sink and even out the front door and playing the piano while family and friends gathered to sing around her. From making homemade chocolate sauce for ice cream to handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on Bridle Lane to "just running inside a store for a minute" to walking the beach for shells her life was filled with laughter and love.

During her life, she suffered many unexpected losses…but her faith never wavered, and she picked up the pieces to move forward. Her life verse was "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" John 4:8 and 4:16. She was a faithful church attendant throughout her life and many of her dearest memories are held within the walls of Central UMC in Salem, Virginia. Her life was a living testimony of grace, faith, love, and perseverance.

"Well done good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:23.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, with Rev. Keith Beasley officiating. The interment will be held privately with her family at Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke.

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.