Willa Jean Kirts, age 80 of North Platte, passed away Friday September 28, 2018 at Bryan Medical Center – East Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Willa was born December 2, 1937, in North Platte, NE to Elmer G. and Regis M. Pease.  She grew up and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School in North Platte.  She met her husband Dale Kirts at a local skating rink; they married on December 1, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Willa was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother devoted to her family. and had a contagious personality overfilled with wit, joy, and laughter that turned strangers she met into lifelong friends.  She was active in PTA while all her children attended school, served as Little League Baseball President, and passionate community member on local, state, and national levels when she served as Executive Director for Parents in Action in Nebraska (PAN), and Standing Together Educating Parents (S.T.E.P.) for drug free youth and prevention.

Willa is survived by her children; Kim Dermer of North Platte, Pam Youngs of North Platte, Jeff (Jennifer Bosche) Kirts of Colorado Springs, CO, Steven (Julie) Kirts of Ames, IA, and Pat (Lana) Kirts of Papillion, NE; grandchildren Matthew Dermer, Jeremy Dermer, Chelsey Spady, Jacob Kirts, Tanner Kirts, Hunter Kirts, Sarah Kirts, Kyle Kirts, Connor Kirts, Spencer Kirts, Haley Kirts, and Landon Kirts; 7 great grandchildren; sister Nancy Cale of Tuscon, AZ, and her children Laurie Litton, and Tony Cale; brother Tim Pease of Tuscon, AZ; as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Regis Pease; husband Dale E. Kirts; daughters Angela, Teresa, and Joanne; Uncle and Aunt Lester and Agatha Langford; cousin Ken Langford; and brother-in-law Larry Cale.

A memorial has been established in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant with inurnment to follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Register book signing with the family receiving friends will be 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.