Obituary: Robert Eugene ‘Gruff’ Willett, 71, Bardstown

Robert Eugene “Gruff” Willett, 71, of Bardstown, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Jewish Hospital in Louisville. He was born Oct. 10, 1941, in Nelson County. He was a former salesman with Crane Distributing Company in Lexington and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lucille Price Willett; one sister, Susan Douglas; and two brothers, Williams L. Willett and James Willett.

Survivors include his wife, Sadie Newton Willett; one daughter, Ann Stone (Toby) of Cox’s Creek; one son, Robbie Willett (Rhonda) of Bardstown; four sisters, Mary Helen Douglas and Sissy Sims, both of New Haven, Betty Norris of Boston, and Brenda Phillips of Bardstown; three brothers, Joseph F. Willett of Boston, Benny Willett of Bardstown and Charles K. Willett of Fla.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3560 North St. Francis Road, Loretto. The Rev. R. Joseph Hemmerle will be the celebrant. Burial with military rites follows in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. by the Rev. Ben J. Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may go toward Masses.

Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto is in charge of arrangements.

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