Lesly P. Wills, age 40, died Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center following a sudden illness. She was born May 16, 1981 in Darlington, Wis., the daughter of Ken and Joyce (Kane) Wills.
She graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1999 and then attended Cosmetology School in Rockford. Lesly worked as a hair stylist and also worked for Affordable Water in Belvidere as an office co-manager. Lesly had a big heart and always went out of her way to help people and animals. She cared for many of her elderly family members and was a big reason why those family members were able to stay in their home and not a nursing home in their later years.
Lesly had patience in ways most people do not. Lesly was a good mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and niece. Lesly often hosted holiday gatherings as she was an incredible cook. Lesly lived in the moment most of the time and enjoyed spontaneous plans for fun. She was a brave and mentally strong person who persevered through difficult situations and continued on most often with an upbeat smile and funny sense of humor. She loved to go boating on the Rock River but most of all she loved spending time with her son Kenneth. Her son Kenneth was her greatest gift and she adored and loved him so very much. She was a wonderful and loving mother to her son.
Lesly was predeceased by her mother Joyce Wills, maternal grandparents Donald and Eleanor Kane, paternal grandparents Kenneth “Bob” and Donna Wills, and Aunt Darlene Smith.
She is survived by her son Kenneth Kane Wills, age 2, father Ken Wills of Stillman Valley, sisters Aimee (JR) McBride of Milwaukee, Wis., and Julie Wills of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; nephews and niece Nolan, Savannah, and Kyle.
The family will have a private funeral and burial. A memorial fund is established in Lesly’s name for her son Kenneth Wills and may be directed to her family.
