Willa Bea Kitchen

Willa Bea Cook Kitchen passed away January 5, 2008 at the Parkview Care Center.

Willa Bea ("Wig" or "Willie" to her friends and family) was born to Roy Raymond Cook and Nellie Jane Sammons/Simons March 14, 1929 in Fairfield, IA. Willa Bea graduated from Fairfield High School and later did her nurse's training in Nebraska.

She married Clifford J. Droz and they were the parents of Sandra Kay, Danny Duane, and Connie Sue. They divorced in 1958. Willa Bea later married Samuel William Kitchen. They were the parents of Jerry Dale and Timothy John.

Willa worked several years at the Parkview Care Center. She later worked at Universal Plastics Company and was instrumental in helping form a Union there, and also worked at Parsons College. After retirement, Willa volunteered at the Jefferson County Care Facility for several years.

In her younger years, Willa loved to drive in Powder Puff Derbies around the state and won several trophies, but she was happiest when caring for her grandchildren. Willa was a member of the Philadelphia Church of God.

Willa Bea is survived by a daughter and two sons: Connie (Dennis) Gwinnup of Keosauqua, IA and their children: Tony, Tracy and Terry, Jerry (Diana) Kitchen and their children: Paul and Jeremy, Tim (Melissa) Kitchen and their children: Tim, Sam, and Clinton, and Dan Droz's children: Byron, B.J., and Ella, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Sam Kitchen, two infant daughters, daughter Sandra Kay, son Danny Duane, and daughter-in-law Martha Kay Cole Droz. She was also predeceased by four brothers and three sisters: Dale Albert Cox, Donald Lester, Jasper Leroy and John Charles Cook, Francis Marie Cox Droz, Velma Mae Cox Loga, and Geraldine Cook Crist, and one nephew, Howard Leroy Cook.

Willa Bea Cook Kitchen will rest in Batavia Cemetery in Batavia, IA with husband Samuel, with a memorial service being held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent c/o:
21288 Heather Road
Keosauqua, IA 52565