Wilma Lavonne Hutchison

Wilma (Collins) Hutchison

Ava, Missouri

Wilma Lavonne Hutchison, 86 years, 10 months, and 29 days old, passed peacefully to Heaven on March 28, 2026 at The Benton House in Olathe, Kansas with her two grandchildren by her side, Justin and Kelsey.

Wilma was born April 30, 1939 in Vanzant, Missouri to John Fred and Grace (Collins) Smith. She and her brothers, Duane and Doyle Collins, were raised by her loving grandparents, Robert and Anna Collins.

Growing up, Wilma attended school in the Vanzant, Missouri community and graduated from Dora High School.

On November 21, 1959, Wilma and Hadley “Bud” Hutchison were united in marriage in Gentryville, Missouri by the Rev. Zim Simms and were blessed with one daughter, Tawnya Lea. Wilma was a life-long Christian and devoted member of Ava Highway Church of the Nazarene.

Wilma started her career in cosmetic sales with Avon. She worked for many years and achieved the office of Regional Sales Manager until her early retirement in 1989.

Wilma took on the reigns of being the Ava Community Beautification chairwoman–leading projects including planting redbuds and dogwoods along Highway 5 for the entire stretch within Douglas County. She also coordinated projects to build stone pathways in the Roadside Park and the Ava City Park, as well as constructing a larger than life Easter and Nativity scenes which was displayed for the community just north of the main intersection. She also loved both attending and hosting garage sales–especially during Fox Trotter’s show weeks. This kept her (and Bud) very active for many years.

Wilma and Bud enjoyed their farm, their friends, and spending time with family in their beloved red house just north of Ava. Wilma had a big smile and an energetic spirit that was always involved in something! She will be greatly missed by her loving family and many friends.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Tawnya Van Dyne; her husband, Bud; her brother, Duane Collins; and her niece, Darrah Collins.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Justin (Sonia) Van Dyne and Kelsey (Van Dyne) Main; her great grandchildren, Noah and Micah Van Dyne, and Lochlan and Breckyn Main; her brother, Doyle Collins; many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends.

Funeral services for Wilma will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Ava Highway Church of the Nazarene, Ava, MO with burial following in the Ava Cemetery, Ava, Missouri. Visitation will be Friday prior to the service at 1:00 P.M. at the church. Memorials may be made to Gideons International. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.