Willa Stauffer

Stauffer, Willa 7/27/1928 - 7/6/2020 Midland Willa Mae Stauffer (Kirkendall) passed away in the loving arms of her children July 6, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband R. Gary Stauffer. She is survived by her 4 children, Cristine (Robert) Nichols of Traverse City, Michigan, Robin (Dr. David) Hartman of Centennial, Colorado, Jeff (Elise) Stauffer of Chicago, Illinois and Jon (Nicole) Stauffer of Chicago, Illinois. She is also survived by her sisters and brother, Sue (Ron) Commissaris, Lynne (Ed) Whitehead, and Jerry Kirkendall all of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sisters-in-law, Hazel Kirkendall, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Colleen (Stauffer) Webb Naru of Edmore, Michigan, and Joyce (Dave) Bussema of Vestaburg, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. Willa and her husband R. Gary Stauffer were the Co-founders of Northwood University, an institution renowned for its support of the entrepreneurial spirit they called "The Northwood Idea". Northwood recognized her with The Distinguished Woman award in 1974. They awarded her with their highest honor, an Honorary Doctoral degree in 1997, placing her amongst the Gallery of Distinction for all she contributed to the growth and prestige of Northwood University. Her love and compassion spread to all she touched in her 91 years. She loved portraying Mrs. Claus at the Midland Santa House, spreading her love among all children. Willa was known for her love of card playing, gardening, golf, birds and her beloved Detroit Tigers. Willa was most proud of her family of 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. In lieu of ?owers the family requests contributions in her name be made to Northwood University, where a scholarship fund will be established. A celebration of Willa's life will be held in the future. The family is being served by Rev. Dr. Wallace H. Mayton III and Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home of Midland. Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors 1200 W. Wheeler St. Midland, MI 48640