Juanita "Willie" Larose

Juanita "Willie" LaRose, 93, of Robinson, IL, died December 10, 2020, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson. She was born May 3, 1927 in Eureka, KS, the only child of Burr & Zella (Knight) Williams. In the 1930's, the family moved to Mattoon, IL, where she attended grade school before graduating from Mattoon High School in 1945. After high school, she became a student at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. It was here that she found the nickname that would stick with her for the rest of her life. The girls in her dormitory at Pemberton Hall shortened her last name, Williams, to "Willie", and the rest is history! EIU was also where she met the love of her life, her husband, LeeRoy LaRose. They were married August 23, 1949. After graduating from Eastern in 1949, they moved to Robinson. In Crawford County, LeeRoy taught and coached basketball in Palestine before finding work at Marathon. Willie was a speech therapist, working in Crawford County schools for several years before becoming a fourth grade teacher at Lincoln Grade School in Robinson. By all accounts, teaching wasn't just a job for her, it was her calling and passion. Outside of work, she stayed active in a number of local organizations: Otterbein United Methodist Church, the 20th Century Club, the Elks Ladies Club, the Red Hats Group, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Retired Teachers Association, and the Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she was an active member and a part of the Priscilla Circle and Kum-Joy-Nus Sunday School. We are assured that the faith that Willie clung to throughout her 93 years has been made sight, and that she is in the presence of her Savior. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, services will be private. Willie will be laid to rest in the Robinson New Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.