Wilma Lucille Ward was born June 9, 1929, in Wray, Colorado, the oldest of three daughters of G.W. “Bill” and Vivian Keith Ward. She graduated at age 17 from Vernon High School and attended Colorado Women’s College. She married LaVern Stults on June 15, 1947, at the Wray United Methodist Church and they went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.
In 1948 they went on a harvest tour from Texas to Canada with their own truck, combine, and trailer. Then in the winter of 1948, it was off to sunny Florida where LaVern worked on a golf course and Wilma was a waitress at Lake Placid Resort.
In 1949, they returned home where LaVern and Wilma enjoyed family and farming south of Wray. Their three children were born in 1951, 1952, and 1954. For Wilma’s health, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they enjoyed the warm climate with their three young children. In 1956, they came back to the family farm south of Wray where she was an integral part of the farm management.
Wilma was a wonderful homemaker. She stayed busy keeping up with her beautiful yard and flowers and entertaining family and friends. She was a great cook. Her grandchildren’s favorites were biscuits and gravy, deviled eggs, Monster cookies, and malts.
Wilma was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and caring friend. She traveled extensively with her husband, LaVern, enjoyed having a houseful of children and grandchildren, loved to visit with all of her dear friends, and enjoyed a good game of cards. Wilma was a devoted fan of her grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their sporting events.
Music provided great joy in her life. She loved playing the piano and singing hymns. Wilma was a woman of deep faith and inspiration. She left lasting impacts on others by sharing her faith and nurturing many children and high school students as a Sunday school teacher. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and exemplified their motto of “Serve the Lord with Gladness” in all that she did.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Wilma is survived by daughters Lynne of Glenwood Springs, Joyce and husband Monty Anderson of Greeley, and son Gregg and his wife Mary Ann of Wray. She is also survived by ten grandsons: Jared Kerst and wife Jenny of Glenwood Springs, Tyler Kerst and wife Keturah of Bigfork, Montana. Brian Anderson and wife Jessica DeAngelis, Alan Anderson and wife Jamie, and Travis Anderson all of Greeley. Kyle Stults and wife Mary of Evergreen. Chris Stults and wife Shanon, Toby Stults and wife Andressa, Brad Stults and wife Vicky, Wade Stults and wife Heather all of Wray, and one granddaughter, Nikki Mark and husband Joey of Denver.
She was blessed with thirty great grandchildren: Harper and Regan Kerst of Glenwood Springs, Isabel, Adelyn, Annaliese, and Emmeline Kerst of Bigfork, Montana, Hayley, Joshua, Jacob, Luke and Abigail Anderson, Brooks and Lyla Anderson all of Greeley, Vivian and Lachlan Stults of Evergreen, Morgan, Molly, and Hannah Stults, Olivia, Evan, and Alec Stults, Ethan and Myles Stults, Brody, Noah, Blake, Emilia, Aaron, and Lydia Stults all of Wray, and Evelyn Mark of Denver.
She is also survived by her sister Sharon Gallegos of Denver, brother-in-law Alva Deterding of Vernon, sister-in-law Carolyn Frerichs and her husband Norvin of Wray, brother-in-law Harold Stults and wife Ruthann of Tucson, Arizona, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, LaVern Stults, son-in-law, Dan Kerst, sister Lael Deterding, brother-in-law John Gallegos, and her godchild and niece, Lori Frerichs.
Memorials may be given to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Calvary Lutheran Church, or Hillcrest Care Center in care of Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home, 427 Ash Street, Wray, CO 80758.
2020-09-10