Willa Elaine Hassell

PARK HILLS – Willa Elaine Hassell, of Park Hills, entered eternal rest on November 6, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 75. She was born on July 31, 1949, in Esther, Missouri to Roy and Lydia “Fern” (Graham) Kitchell.

Willa is survived by her children, Ryan (Angie) Hassell of Farmington, Quentin (Casey) Hassell of Villa Ridge, Brandon (Nicole) Hassell of Park Hills, and Whitney (Dustin) Peters of Farmington, her stepdaughter, Vanessa (Lance) Calvert of Farmington, her grandchildren, Chris (Whitney) Streckfuss, Matt (Blake) Streckfuss, Felicia (Kameron Hunt) Streckfuss, Hagen Hassell, Carson Hassell, Austin Hassell, Landon Hassell, Kinzlee Hassell, Fenn Hassell, Hailey Peters, Kylie Peters, Colbey Peters, Abby Calvert, Olivia Calvert, and Natalie Calvert, her sister, Sharon (Tom) Isabel of Farmington, her half-sister, Sarah (Steve) Dorris of Farmington, her niece, Melissa (Shawn) Merritt, her nephew, Darren (Jennifer) Klemp, along with many friends.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Fern Kitchell and her husband, Arthur Combrink.

Willa was a member of the first graduating class of Central High School in 1967, but her heart always remained an Esther Pirate. She retired from Central High School after 33 years where she worked as a high school Spanish and English teacher. Following her retirement, she taught at Bismarck and De Soto High Schools. She was also the author of the book “Character of the Ground” based on local veteran of World War II, hero Darrell S. Cole. She was a devout Baptist whose faith played a vital role of who she was and how she lived life. She loved her children dearly along with the students she had throughout her career. She had a passion for horses and her cats and especially loved her horse, Gypsy.

As we bid farewell to Willa Elaine Hassell, we celebrated a life beautifully lived and a spirit that will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons remembered, and her love felt always.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Esther Baptist Church, 412 7th Street, Park Hills with Pastor Todd Buck officiating. Interment to follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Willa Hassell Honorary Scholarship Fund for Central High School, c/o First State Community Bank, 365 West Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.