Moretta "Kay" Willis

Moretta “Kay” Willis, 85, of Mexico, MO, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Kay was born on December 3, 1940, on the Moore family farm near Curryville in Pike County, Missouri, to Calvin E. Moore and Alma Lea (Harp) Moore. Kay was the next to last of eight children and they all grew up on the family farm.

She attended school in New Harmony 1st-4th grades and at Curryville Elementary School 5th-8th grade. She attended Bowling Green High School and graduated in 1958. Upon graduating, she attended TWA Flight Attendant School in Kansas City, MO. She married Alvin Spencer and later married Orville Willis. She was employed at Bobbie Brooks garment factory in Vandalia for numerous years. She loved children, and while she was a stay-at-home mom, she babysat many nieces and nephews and great nieces/nephews along with children of friends. In Kay’s spare time, she volunteered at the Laura Miller George Help Center in Mexico, MO, where she enjoyed working and visiting with all of the volunteers.

Kay was an avid NASCAR fan and a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fanatic. She loved collecting spoons from different states and countries, also collecting any cute thrift find. She took pride in attending her flowers and the blooms were beautiful.

Her spunky, witty personality was enjoyed by many. She loved company and hosting dinners in her home making sure to cook extra in case someone stopped by. She was a helpful, kind, loving friend to all who knew her.

Kay was a member of New Harmony Christian Church in Curryville and attended Union Baptist Church in Mexico, MO.

Kay is survived by her daughter Janet Spencer Smith (Brian) of Pottsville, PA, her sister Sue Moore Davis, originally of Kirksville, MO, grandchildren Dr. Allison Schneider (Donald) of Fort Collins, CO, Kaylea Dooley, Independence, MO, Ryan Wilkinson, Whitney Roman and Morgan Wilkinson, all of Pennsylvania, 13 great grandchildren, loving friend and companion, Richard James, Mexico, MO, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, daughter Cindy Spencer Dooley, sisters Yvonne Moore Branstetter and Wanda Moore Holcumbrink, brothers, Erwin Moore, R.E. Moore, infant twin brothers Merle and Verle Moore, and niece Pamela Murray.

Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home, Mexico, Missouri, with funeral services on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at New Harmony Christian Church, Curryville, MO. Burial will be in the New Harmony Christian Church Cemetery. An additional visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church prior to services.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Angel’s Wings of Mexico. Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.