She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Orlo Kern Brooks, and her husband Billy Willig. Lanelle is survived by her son Bruce Willig and wife Darlene; and her daughter Jana Willig; as well as grandchildren Brooks Willig and wife Sarah, and Laura Willig.
Lanelle’s family moved frequently as her father pursued his career in school administration. She attended Gatesville High School, where she made life long friends, and she graduated as Valedictorian from Sulphur Springs High School in 1948. Her family settled in San Angelo, and she attended the University of Texas where she met the love of her life, Billy Willig. They married on September 11, 1951, and she graduated with a degree in Vocational Education in Homemaking in 1952. Lanelle supported her husband to help him succeed in everything they did. She worked alongside Billy at his family business Western Iron Works for decades. She worked as a bookkeeper and kept the office running smoothly. She raised two wonderful children who followed in their parents’ footsteps to run the foundry.
She enjoyed spending time outdoors, visiting water mills, camping and sailing with her family, and birdwatching. With her gift of hospitality, Lanelle was always active in her church and enjoyed working with people and helping wherever she was needed. She was very active in AAUQ, American Association of University Women during the 1960s and 1970s, always encouraging women to further their education. She was a member of the Fiber Arts Guild and greatly enjoyed the fellowship of knitting and crocheting with friends. She will be greatly missed by all of her friends and family.
Special thanks to Jana Willig for caring for her through her final years. The family would also like to thank Hospice of San Angelo and Visiting Angels for providing kind and compassionate caretakers and nurses.
Graveside services will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Fairmount Cemetery.
