Wilma Elaine Lauber

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Dawson Place in Hill City, Kansas, Wilma Elaine (Gatlin) Lauber, 72, passed away and entered heaven. We mourn the loss of a beautiful soul, but we know that we will see her again someday. Wilma was a loving wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Elaine Gatlin; her father, Calvin Eugene Gatlin; and her siblings, Kenneth, Rita, and Diana. She is survived by her husband, Michael Eugene Lauber; her mother-in-law, Betty Lauber; her daughter, Amber Morris, and her husband, Phillip Morris; her grandchildren: Ethen and Shaelyn McAllister, Tyler, Bryden, and Payton Morris; and her siblings: David, Dorothy, Duane, and Terry.
Wilma started her journey in life July 7, 1953, in Colby, Kansas, with one older brother, and they were later joined by three younger brothers and three younger sisters. She took on the role of elder sister with excellence, giving care to them all. Growing up, the Gatlin home was always full of love, laughter, and card games, the most popular being Rook (Methodist Poker).
She attended Colby High School, where she met her future husband, Mike. Later she went to Colby Community College and earned a degree in business. During high school and college, she worked as a waitress at the local diner, Deep Rock and Nickerson Farms. After completing her education, she began working at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Colby. On December 29, 1971, Wilma and Mike were married at her family's Presbyterian Church in Colby.
They then moved to Ulysses, Kansas, where she worked at the Ulysses State Bank. In 1980, their only child, Amber, was born.
In 1983, the family moved to Hill City, Kansas. Her first job there was at the courthouse at the Register of Deeds Office. Soon after, she began working at the Consolidated State Bank, which later changed to the First State Bank. She was a loyal and hardworking employee from 1987 until her retirement in 2020. She truly loved taking groups on the Golden Passport trips, which she organized every year. She took care of every detail on these trips and seemed to love every minute. This lady radiated joy and energy. You could always count on her to have a smile.
Her most cherished moments were spent with her daughter and grandchildren. She was diligent about attending games, award ceremonies, programs, and dances, and she never forgot to send a birthday card. Her love for her family was unconditional. Every summer, she eagerly anticipated traveling to and planning the Gatlin Family Get-Together. These trips, while full of adventure and not always going as planned; allowed her to experience much of the United States. One of her greatest achievements was keeping Mike out of trouble. Well, most of the time.
Wilma's selflessness was evident in her active involvement in community service, which included Rotary, 4-H, Lydia Circle, Methodist Church choir, Second Chances, and teaching Bible study, among many others. She made friends wherever she went. She never complained and she always gave wholeheartedly. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, but also Wilma was beautiful on the inside.
Wilma led with faith and hope all to the end of her life. She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.