Iris Jean Willyard, 78, of Ottumwa, passed peacefully at 9:48 a.m. May 30, 2026 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center surrounded by her family.
She was born March 29, 1948 in Chicago, IL to Delbert and Gaye Buroker Shelby. Iris married Thomas Willyard March 24, 1979 and he preceded her in death on May 22, 1989.
Iris was a 1966 graduate of Morton East High School in Cicero, IL. She worked for Walmart for 29 years, retiring in 2018.
She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Iris enjoyed baking, especially around the holidays. She also enjoyed playing Bingo, going to church, traveling and loved spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are her children, Sherri Willyard (Jesse Newcomb) of Johnstown, CO, Carl Willyard of Fairfield and Kenneth Beranek of Salida, CO; 4 grandchildren, Cody (Alexis) Willyard, Morgan Newcomb, Savannah Newcomb and Kegan Beranek; a great-grandchild on the way; and her brother, Roger Shelby of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Joyce Shelby.
Visitation will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday June 7th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 8th, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Cremation will follow the services with inurnment in Shaul Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
