Willa Jean Resler

Willa Jean Resler, age 99, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026. She was born on October 25, 1926, in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, to Clarence Hazel Wolf and Dessa Mae (Sunday) Wolf. Willa grew up alongside her three siblings (Dean, Donna Mae, and Nancy) all of whom preceded her in death.

On September 7, 1945, Willa married the love of her life, Wendell Jacob Resler, with whom she shared many decades of adventure, companionship, and devotion until his passing on April 14, 2000. Willa was also preceded in death by her daughter Mika Lynne Adams (September 11, 2024), her son Gregory Allen Resler (January 24, 2020), Mika’s husband Bernard Eugene Adams, and Gregory’s daughter Kelly Jean Resler.

She is survived by Gregory’s widow, Ida, and their children Jody, Becky, and Angie; Jody’s wife Sharon and daughter Chasity; Chasity’s partner Cody, and their children BraeLynn, Hunter, and Emersyn; and Kelly’s son Justin. Willa is also survived by Mika’s sons Tim and Grant, Tim’s wife Carolyn and their children Ryan and Kaitlyn, and Grant’s wife Susan. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Throughout her life, Willa held various jobs, but she was best known as a talented beautician and a gifted seamstress. Her work reflected the same care and attention she generously gave to the people around her.

Willa lived a life rich with interests and experiences. She loved golfing, proudly achieving a hole in one. She enjoyed playing bridge, even when the cards didn’t cooperate. During her years in Plymouth, Indiana, she spent countless happy hours with a close-knit group of friends affectionately known as the “Drunk Bunch,” a circle filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. She was well known among them for mixing an excellent gin and tonic, a small but cherished reflection of her hospitality.

She had a deep love for travel, spending many years on the road delivering RVs across the United States with Wendell. Even after his passing, her sense of adventure carried her across the globe to places such as China, the Philippines, Hawaii, Grand Cayman, Greece, and England.

A wonderful cook, Willa was known for many beloved dishes, including Chicken and Shells, Green Eggs and Ham, Peanut Brittle, and her famous Sugar Cookies, each one made with the warm generosity she showed everyone in her life.

In her later years, Willa made her home at Gentry Park Senior Living Center in Bloomington, where the staff grew to love her dry wit, her caring nature, and her unmistakable spirit. Willa will be remembered as a loving friend and grandmother, and someone who had trouble sitting still because she was always trying to make sure others were taken care of before ever thinking of herself. Her life was a testament to kindness, selflessness, and enduring love.

A service to celebrate Willa’s life will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Willa would want you to call someone in your family and tell them you love them.