Aurelia Marie Wills

   Aurelia M. Wills was born on January 3, 1936 in Blackwell, Missouri, a daughter of the late Patrick and Mary Govero. Aurelia passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of eighty-nine years at her home, after her journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

   Aurelia was united in marriage to Ervin Bone in July 1957, and together they were blessed with three children. After Ervin’s passing, Aurelia later married Eugene Wills in September 1968, and they were blessed with two children. Aurelia and Eugene shared over twenty years together before his passing.

   A beloved matriarch, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Aurelia’s life was rooted in love and faith. She carried a strong devotion to God and found comfort in praying her rosary. Her faith was a guiding light that shaped the way she lived and cared for others.

   Aurelia is survived by her five children: Mike (Donna) Bone of Eureka, Missouri; Rhonda (Phil) LaChance of Portland, Oregon; Tim (Jill) Bone of St. Charles, Missouri; Carl (Christy) Wills of Belleville, Illinois; Lorie (Tom) Pennington of St. Louis, Missouri. She is also survived by ten grandchildren—Jason (Natalie) Bone, Adam (Jamie) Bone, Melissa (David) Seuc-LaChance, Jessica LaChance, Doug (Kailie) Pennington, Grant Pennington, Blake (Heather) Wills, Reily Wills, Lucy Wills, and Hudson Wills—and ten great-grandchildren: Carter, Agnes, Zane, Beckem, Sebastien, Louis, Brodyn, Kinsley, Faith, and Addison. Her family also includes a beloved collection of grand “fur babies”.

   Aurelia is survived by her siblings Irene Thebeau, Chad (Patricia) Govero, Verna (Roger) Coleman, Teresa Giratos, Junior Govero, and Sharon (Pat) Brown; her brother-in-law Lawrence Warden; and many nieces, nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Ervin Bone and Eugene Wills, her sisters Josephine Blount and Mary Frances Warden, her brother Victor Govero, her sister-in-law Janet Govero, and her brothers-in-law Wayne Blount, Leonard Thebeau, and Michael Giratos.

   Aurelia had a special way about her, making everyone feel cared for and loved. She loved deeply and selflessly, always putting others before herself. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished her role as a grandmother most of all. She also treasured time spent with her brothers and sisters whether gathered around a table sharing stories, celebrating, dancing, or simply laughing together. Their bond remained strong throughout her life, and those moments brought her much happiness and comfort.

   Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful to have been loved by someone as special as Aurelia. Her legacy of warmth, understanding, and unconditional love will continue to guide us. Her love remains with us always, living on in every memory and every heart she touched.