Rea Wills
Alton | Save
Rea Diana (Owens) Wills, 71, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by her family at Evelyn’s House, a BJC Hospice facility, in Creve Coeur, MO.
Rea was born on October 9, 1954, in Alton, IL, to Rea (Lane) and Paul Owens.
She married Charles Edward Fleming in 1972, a marriage that ended in divorce. She married Lloyd Alan Wills on 05/19/1978.
Rea was a proud registered nurse who retired from a long and diverse career at Christian Hospital NE in 2019.
She is survived by her mother, Rea Owens; husband, Lloyd Wills; children, Sarah Wills of Kenilworth, Illinois, Thomas (Patricia) Wills of Godfrey, Illinois, and Glenn Wills of Duluth, Minnesota; siblings, Paul Owens and Debra Kious, both of Alton; four grandchildren, Natalie, Elizabeth, Will, and Grayson, a niece and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Eugene Owens.
Rea enjoyed spending time with her close friends from her nursing career, the ‘Boat Girls,’ and with her dear friend, Cathie Lehr, as well as so many other treasured friends, including Patti, Pam, and Brian. She is remembered as a devoted mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, who never hesitated to lend a hand and a caring ear. Her heart and soul was a nurse in every way, and she brought that passion to comfort her many patients over the years. Rea also loved to dance, garden, read (particularly American history), and she made the most delicious peach crisp. She had a wonderful sense of humor, an easy laugh, and a warm, beautiful smile.
Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey are in charge of arrangements.
Rea was a beloved member of the Christian Hospital family who dedicated her professional life to nursing, leadership, education, and service. Throughout her distinguished career, she served as a nurse, ICU manager, clinical educator, mentor, and passionate advocate for professional development.
Rea believed deeply in continuing education and in helping nurses strengthen their knowledge, develop their skills, and reach their fullest potential. Through her leadership, encouragement, compassion, and commitment to excellence, she touched the lives of countless colleagues, nurses, patients, and families.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Hospital Foundation for the Rea Wills Memorial Nursing Continuing Education Fund, established to honor Rea’s remarkable nursing legacy: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form?formId=150a5d19-3ab3-4ebd-964d-2d23f4a46913&envid=p-IJHtuuSzr0yu08hLnr-uuQ&zone=usa.
Gifts will support continuing education and professional development for Christian Hospital nursing employees.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
