Della M. Young-Willis

Della Mae Young-Willis, age 70, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026.

Della was born in Kansas City, MO and spent her youth in Blue Springs and Odessa. As an adult she lived in several states, but ultimately settled back in Odessa, where she reunited with and married her first-ever and eternal love, Bob Willis.

A determined woman, Della obtained her GED, attended MCC–Blue River, and became a credentialed CNA. She held many careers in her lifetime, including editing photos for Lifetouch, managing a motel, preparing taxes, and caring for Alzheimer’s patients. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #286 and the V.F.W. #5675.

Della was known to many as a friendly face behind the bar at Double D’s, where she was always welcoming, but wouldn’t hesitate to tell it like it is! She could hold her own and hang with the best of ‘em, including Randy (Fat Boy), who was particularly skilled at pushing her buttons for a good laugh. You could reliably find Della cheering on the Chiefs at “the V” and passionately talking trash to anyone who dared root against them, especially Mike (Wormy). Some friends will forever remember her unforgettable appearances as “Darlin’ Darla.” Others will recall camping trips, like the ones she took with Makayla, Robert, Lil’ Cindy and Penny, or the big family gatherings at Truman Lake for the 4th of July. Della lived life boldly and left behind legendary stories, like attending the MO State Fair with Doris and being escorted back to their seats after attempting to join George Strait on stage.

Her final chapter was a beautiful reflection of the things and people she loved, including being at home and cared for by her daughter Lisa. She found peace watching hummingbirds and enjoying the morning glory flowers Lisa planted for her, keeping up with Days of Our Lives, and solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles. She also enjoyed visits from cherished friends and family, like Jack Jennings and cousins Sandy, Wanda, and JoAnn.

True to form, she squeezed in a few final adventures by celebrating her 70th birthday at Cooper’s Hawk in Lee’s Summit and spending time with her daughter Crystal, son-in-law Brandon, and grandson Aiden. She enjoyed taking a ride on the downtown Kansas City streetcar with Crystal and Stevie Grizzoffi and making special memories dancing to the oldies with Kodi and Makayla while watching Kaysen and Kodi play in the pool, holding her great-grandson Leo, and visiting with Sarah, sometimes referred to as her “other daughter” and just one of many who considered Della a mother figure.

She will be deeply missed by many, including her daughters, Lisa Pelloquin of Odessa, MO, and Crystal Askew (Brandon) of Lee’s Summit, MO; her grandchildren, Makayla Hoelscher (Zec) of Junction City, KS, Robert Petty (Ayla) of Kalamazoo, MI, and RaeLynn Askew and Aiden Askew; and her great-grandchildren, Kodi, Octavia, Leo, and an expected baby boy, Ryder. She is also survived by her sister, Lora Blackwell of Tulsa, OK; her uncle, Raymond Gragg of Springfield, MO; her brothers-in-law, Terry (Gail) Willis, Rick (Sherry) Willis, and Tom Willis; her sisters-in-law, Sandy (Charlie) Barker, Susan Young, and Pam Young; and more cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends than can ever be counted.

The family requests you raise a glass in her honor and picture her sitting at the “Round Table” above, sharing stories and reuniting with all those who passed before her, including her beloved husband, Robert E. “Bob” Willis; her parents, Cecil Ray Young, and Geraldine (Gragg) and Fred Thompson; her mother-in-law, Iva Willis; her brothers, Jerry and Cecil Young; her brothers-in-law, Sonny Blackwell, Bob Sweet, and so many others.

The family wishes to thank the staff from Phoenix Hospice (Kristen, Dawn, Frankie, Akesa) for the compassionate care they provided. At Della’s request, no formal services are planned. Condolences may be left in the care of Royer Funeral Home of Oak Grove, MO.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri