Willa Dell Scott

Willa Dell Scott, a devoted homemaker and former Bank Teller at the Bank of Gonzales, passed away on November 11, 2023 at Gonzales Health Care. Born on September 6, 1932 with her identical twin sister, Wilma in St. Francis, Kansas. She was the daughter of Harvey Barnhart and Irene Evelyn (Moore) Barnhart. 

When the twins were 3 years old there was the great Republican River Flood from Colorado, Nebraska to Kansas that killed over 100 people.  Willa and Wilma were the last of the 7 siblings that Irene made sure to get to safety in the nighttime flood.  She was then swept away by the rapid waters saving the twins.  Irene Barnhart sacrificed her life for her twin girls. 

Willa dedicated her life to Christ at a very early age and her and “Pete” Scott always found a Church home wherever they moved to due to her husband’s work. A cherished wife, and doting grandmother, Willa found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her passions included quilt making, gardening, baking, her bible study group and spending quality time with her beloved family.

She is survived by her devoted son, Michael Scott, and his wife June. Willa's legacy extends to her adoring grandchildren: Kellie Gonzales (Casey), Katie Sheets (Garrett), Ryan Scott (Rebecca), Amanda Adams (Gary), and David Scott. She had 3 step grandchildren, Kenneth Miller, Jr. (Michon), Amber Miller, Caleb Miller (Angeleahia); was also a proud great-grandmother to a host of wonderful great-grandchildren.

Willa is preceded in death by her loving husband of over 60 years, Claude "Pete" Scott, sons Mitchell Scott, Mark Allen Scott, and daughter-in-law Christine Templet. She joins her parents, Harvey and Irene Barnhart, and siblings John Wayne, Manota Bee, James Alvin, Macalene Macy, Jerdene Bruce and her twin Wilma Bell who awaited her with open arms.

Willa Dell Scott's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.  She will be missed by her family as well as her Church family.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Gonzales, 1217 S. Burnside, Gonzales LA 70737, from 9:00 am until funeral service at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 16, 2023.  Interment will at Lusk Cemetery.  

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and memories she created throughout her beautiful life.

Pall Bearers will be Gary Adams, David Scott, Ryan Scott, Casey Gonzales, Garrett Sheets, Mitchell Paul Roussell, & Carson Sheets. Honorary Pall Bearers will be Maxwell Scott, Elijah Adams, Britton Sheets, Kenny Miller, and Caleb Miller.