Obituary of Eula Willard

Eula Bennett Chafin Nance Willard of Bedford left this earth to be with her Lord on August 21, 2012. Eula was born November 7, 1914 in Huddleston to the late Corrie and Josh Chafin. She is predeceased by her first husband, John F. Nance and her brothers, Mikie and Onyx Chafin. She is survived by her husband, Calvin W. Willard; her daughter, Mandaville Nance Bower, grandchildren, Anne and Chris Travis, Johnny and Bondee Bower and Paul and Sarah Bower, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Eula was a tough lady by her own admission, she survived the great depression, and completed her high school education. Never one to back down from a challenge or hard work, as a young mother she worked with her first husband John F. Nance to run a sawmill, mining and farming operation. She was an accomplished pianist and organist at many local churches. She also taught piano lessons to students in her home. Eula was widowed in 1969 and later married Calvin Willard and was invaluable to their farming and auction businesses. Calvin and Eula met at a local dance and enjoyed many years of dancing together to blue grass and country tunes. Eula was loved and appreciated by her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Eula also leaves behind two nieces, Betty Matekovich, Jeanette Overstreet; one nephew, Bruce Chafin and her dear friends Moorman and Roy Reynolds, Ada Woodford and Joan Crouch along with her many friends from the Huddleston Ruritan Dance Club. The family extends a special thanks to her many caregivers. A funeral service will be conducted from the graveside at Morgans Bapitst Church Cemetery on Thursday, August 23 at 11 AM with Rev. Rick Mallory officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 22 from 6 until 8 PM at Morgans Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers her family asks that donations be made to the Moneta Life Saving Crew, Huddleston Ruritan Club or Morgan's Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.