Willa Sorden

Willa Jean Sorden, 78, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, July 28. She was born July 2, 1933, in Creighton, MO, the daughter of John and Phoebe Stephens. She graduated from Rosedale High School in Kansas City, KS, in 1951. Willa married Billy Charles Sorden Oct. 19, 1951. She worked at Baltimore Bank, in Kansas City and during Bill's service in the Navy she worked at Bremerton Bank in WA. Upon returning to Kansas City then transferring to Topeka she devoted her life to raising her family. Willa resumed work outside the home with Merchants Bank, and later retiring from Shawnee County Treasurers Office. Willa was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 39 years, and her beloved daughter, Billie Jean Turley. She is survived by her two sons, Mike Sorden of Topeka, and Charles Sorden & wife Amy of Delia. Her son-in-law, Rick Turley and wife Rhonda of Parkville, MO. Willa was blessed with seven grandchildren, Patrick Turley and wife Kari, Julianna Turley, Connor Turley, Hunter Turley, Riley Sorden, and Emily Sorden. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 6th, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. Visitation with family and friends will be at noon, one hour prior to service. Informal attire requested by the family. In lieu of flowers the family also requests memorial contributions be made to Helping Hands Humane Shelter, Topeka, KS, or The Capper Foundation, Topeka, KS. Memorial balloons for those lost to cancer will be released following the service. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.