MOUNT HOPE - KANSAS

Wilma Pearl Kathka 'Willie', 72, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas under the loving care of Hospice. Wilma was born in the Oberlin Hospital on August 16, 1943 in Oberlin, Kansas, the daughter of Gustive and Pearl (Jennings) Kathka. She had one brother Emery Kathka, two sisters Catherine 'Mary' Hilton and Agnes Urban, half-sisters Letha Ribblett, LaVerle Kathka, LaFern Leitner, Adeline Kathka; half-brothers Leo Gus Kathka, Ival Kathka, Vollie Kathka, Harley Kathka Francis (Dick) Kathka; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces and nephews. She was always surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Letha, LaVerle, LaFern, Adeline and Catherine Mary, brothers Leo Gus, Ival, Vollie, Harley and Dick. Wilma was raised on the family farm north of Oberlin, the family did move to Topeka, Kansas when Wilma was 10 to be closer to doctors as Wilma was born with Cerebral Palsy. Wilma was always a very happy person. After learning to walk at the age of 10 she could be seen helping Mom hang clothes onthe line and doing other chores around the house. Wilma continued to live in Oberlin with her parents until their passing. Then she went to live with her sister Agnes in Colby. While living with her sister, she spent a lot of time with the organization Developmental Services of Western Kansas (DSWK) doing all kinds of activities including getting paid to shred paper. One of her favorite activities with the organization was bowling. In her liesure time she enjoyed playing old solitaire which she always seemed to win, watching TV especially the Olson Twins, Texas Ranger and any movie with animals especially puppies. She lived with her sister until she was no longer able to get around and went to live at Senior Living Center in Colby before transferring to the Nursing facility in Mount Hope, Kansas to be closer to her sister Agnes who lives in Valley Center where she continued to enjoy life playing Bingo, singing Hymns sometimes a little off key. She always had a smile or joke to share with anyone.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2016 at Dresden Cemetery, Dresden, Kansas with the Pastor Jim Jennings officiating. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com