August 4th 1928 in Greeley, CO. She was the youngest of five girls: Dorothy Louise, Lucille,
Margaret, and Ruby Jo and then Willa. Her father served during WW1, contracting
Tuberculosis ten years later and dying when Willa was only two years old. Reta took her young
family home to Ada, Ohio to her parents home.
Willa was an exemplary student, learning to play violin, being a cheer leader and drum
majorette as well as being in many plays. Being a strong Christian, she was also very involved
in the Methodist faith. She somehow found the time to be a lifeguard also.
She attended Ohio Northern University, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary
Education. Her first teaching job was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She had left her fiance,
Thomas Brook, in Ada Ohio where he was teaching high school. He later went for a masters
degree in Boulder CO and Willa moved there in September 1950 to be near him.
They returned to Ada, Ohio for their June 10, 1951 wedding. Willa was a strong, independent
woman and those qualities are what was so attractive to Tom. He did not want just another
pretty face. He won the lottery: not only was Willa smart, and strong, she was also beautiful,
energetic and had a wonderful sense of humor. But the icing on the cake was her strong faith
and belief in Jesus.
Michael Creps Brook was born just 18 months after his parents wedding, December 7th, 1952.
Two years later Jennifer Jo was born on Nov 22, 1954. Four years later Willa went to the
hospital to have A baby on April 29th, 1958 and was surprised to learn there were TWO babies
to be born: Monte James, and Dawn Marie, the bonus baby.
When the twins started first grade, Willa resumed her teaching career and taught third grade at
Skyline Vista for thirty years. Even after she retired, she tutored children until she was 91 years
of age.
After Tom and Willa’s retirement they started their service with YWAM (Youth With a Mission)
where her daughter Dawn and husband Scott had been serving for several years. After Tom
passed away in 2003, Willa continued to teach English to young Christians from all over the
world in Hawaii. Willa also served in many other countries during her busy retirement: Albania,
Brazil, Hong Kong and Okinawa.
Coupled with her love of God was a strong sense of justice. She marched with Martin Luther
King for Civil Rights and attended anti war demonstrations during the Viet Nam era. She was
politically active her whole adult life and donated faithfully to political and religious causes she
believed in.
Her grandson Matthew preceded her in death in February of 2020. Just six months before that
for her 91st birthday, he had given her a birthday card with a flock of sheep on the front. All of
them were just white, while one was brightly colored. The card said inside, “There’s YOU and
then there’s everybody else.” Matthew wrote, “You have been a huge blessing in my life. You
are one of a kind. I love you and God Bless You.” Willa blessed not only her families lives, but
hundreds and hundreds of other people’s through teaching, and through serving Christ.
Willa has left a lasting legacy and a strong example of how to live a life aligned with what you
truly believe in and stand for, all the while smiling and having a good time. Willa, much to her
delight, crossed over September 17th, 2020 to a grand celebration with her husband, parents,
grandson, sisters and many others. She leaves behind a whole crew wondering who they will
debate politics and religion with now that she is gone: her children Michael (Susan) Brook,
Jennifer (David) Morgan, Monte (Debbie) Brook and Dawn (Scott) Lindesy; Grandchildren: Tansy,
Michelle, Nicole, Brandon, Heather, Ariana, and Alyssa and four great-grandchildren, one sister
Margaret (aka Minker) Lombardo 95 yrs old, brothers in law John (Joyce) Brook, Bill (Jane)
Brook, Dale (Sage) Brook, Norm Brautigam, many nieces and nephews, special friend Dianna Lawyer-Brook and
many other great friends.
Services will be held at Encounter Church 6825 S. Galena St Centennial, CO 80112, Tuesday
September 22nd at 11 am, Pat Mahoney officiating. Viewing at the same address 9:30 am to
10:30 am. A light luncheon will be served afterwards. Burial will take place at Fort Logan
National Cemetery in a private ceremony.
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