Ruth Christine “Chris” Willoughby

Ruth Christine “Chris” Willoughby of Willard, passed away Aug. 20, 2020, at age 81. Willoughby was born to Marion and Ruth Conrad on March 25, 1939. She was married to JW Willoughby in May of 1957 and shared almost 42 years together before JW passed in April 1999. They were blessed with two daughters and one son. Willoughby graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1956 and attended Draughon’s Business College before working for a CPA. After her first child was born, she continued working for the CPA from home while taking care of her children. Then, JW started his septic tank service and Chris answered the phone, made appointments and did the bookkeeping for the business for over 40 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter Debbie Day. Willoughby is survived by daughter Patti Johnson and husband Kenneth of Mt.Vernon; son James Willoughby, Jr., and wife Kristi of Walnut Grove; and son-in-law Gerry Day of Bradleyville; two sisters Montie Jones of Walnut Grove and Wanda Jinks and husband Rick of Marshfield and brother Francis Conrad and wife Shirley of Walnut Grove, sister-in-law Barb Willoughby, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Private family services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard.