Marguerite Willis Fadler

Marguerite Willis Fadler, age 92, of Raytown, MO, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, KS, surrounded by her daughter, son and son-in-law. Born in New Bern, NC, Marguerite lived a life defined by kindness and devotion to her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and sibling, always putting loved ones first and filling their lives with warmth—and her love of cooking.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Errell Dewey Willis and Arlena (Lena) Ipock Willis, and her brother, John Dewey Willis. She is survived by her loving husband, Roy a/k/a Bob; her children, Sharon Fadler Frankel (Scott), Donald Fadler (Deborah), and Robert Fadler; her grandchildren Stephanie Fadler Covell, Hannah, Rebekah, Jennifer Empson (Mitchell), Andrea; her sister, Arlena Marie Willis Lansche; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Sutton Willis, and her former daughter-in-law, Traci.

Marguerite and Bob met on a blind date when Bob was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, NC. After they married July 11, 1953, Bob brought Marguerite to Kansas City where he had a job waiting after his discharge from military service. She missed her family dearly, but Bob promised he would take her to New Bern once a year to see her parents, siblings and large family of aunts, uncles and cousins, which happened every summer. Marguerite will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her gentle spirit, beautiful infectious smile, and the joy and love she brought to those around her. She loved to visit her huge family in hometown New Bern, NC; travel to the beach; spend time with her own family; play bingo, participate in crafts, listen to music and singing events—at her assisted living facility; playing cards and board games with her grandchildren when they were younger. We would be remiss if we didn’t describe her love of chocolate ice cream, which she gobbled up at every opportunity. It was her constant diet in the last days of her life. Her legacy of kindness, warmth and being the heart of the family holding everyone together with her unwavering love through grace and the joy of cooking—will live on in all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16, at Floral Hills Funeral Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO, Visitation at 1:00pm, Celebration at 2:00pm. Following at 3:00pm graveside service at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, 25203 E. 50 Highway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Women Heart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, Camp Fire Heartland Council, and Youth Chorus of Kansas City.

Note: Anyone joining our family on Feb 16, please feel free to wear happy colors of blue, red or yellow clothing as these were Mom’s favorite colors.