Willa-De Luella Scherer

Willa-De Luella Scherer entered this world on January 28, 2026, at University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Missouri, and passed peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the endless love of her family. Though her time here was only 108 precious days, Willa-De filled every moment with a lifetime of love, strength, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Born two months early due to complications, Willa-De proved from the very beginning that she was a fighter. Tiny but mighty, she touched the hearts of everyone who met her. Her beautiful spirit, quiet strength, and perfect little personality brought light into even the hardest days.

Willa-De loved hearing her daddy read stories and sing “Waymaker” to her. One of her favorite places in the world was curled up on his chest, listening to the comfort of his voice and soaking in warm snuggles. With mommy, she found peace and safety, drifting into deep sleeps on her chest, often drooling once she found her perfect cozy spot. She especially loved skin-to-skin cuddles with both mommy and daddy.

She brought smiles during arts and crafts time with mommy, daddy, her cousins, mamaw, and aunties, always reacting to the tickle of paint and stamps on her tiny feet. Bath time was another favorite — especially the bubbles, gentle head rubs, back massages, and the careful cleaning between her little fingers and toes.

Willa-De had her own special version of peekaboo and loved quiet moments talking with mommy, responding with sweet little body movements and reactions. She kept her PT and OT therapists on their toes during therapy sessions and made everyone laugh with her perfect timing and personality. She even gave daddy one unforgettable surprise by pooping on him while he proudly declared it was his duty to change her “dirty booty.”

She loved listening to sermons and music with mommy and recently discovered the joy of being outside with mommy and daddy. In her final days, she began making pinky promises with them by sticking out her tiny pinky finger — a memory her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Although Willa-De’s journey on earth was short, her life was filled with love beyond measure. She had a beautiful way of letting everyone know she was still right there with them — raising her hands and feet in the air, giving daddy little thumbs-ups, and opening her eyes just long enough to see who was holding her before peacefully closing them again. In only 108 days, she gave her family some of the happiest, hardest, funniest, most creative, and most meaningful days of their lives.

Willa-De was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Willie and Delois “Dee” Leonberger, Cletus Brown, Raymond Bauder, Joe and Rita Scherer; grandparents Hubert “Edward” and Shelly Scherer; and Jerry Wayne Brown.

She is lovingly survived by her parents, Raymond and Kayla Scherer; great-grandparents Mary Bauder and Robert and Linda Routson; grandmother Lisa Brown; four uncles; six aunts; nineteen cousins; and countless family members and friends who loved her dearly.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Willa-De will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at New Beginnings Full Gospel Community Church, located at 380 Old US Highway 54, Auxvasse, Missouri 65231, at 1:00 p.m. Family, friends, and all who loved Willa-De are welcome to attend and share memories as they honor the beautiful life of this precious little girl.

Though her tiny hands stayed only for a moment, they left fingerprints on hearts that will last forever.