Wilma Walcott

1933 - 2025

Wilma Walcott

March 2, 1933 - January 21, 2025

Wilma Walcott, formerly of Shelton, went home to heaven on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the age of 91.

Wilma was born March 2, 1933, to Oscar and Anna Meyer. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church North Shelton. Her family farmed and ran the central telephone office in the area. She graduated from Ravenna High School, earned her teaching certificate, and taught country school for six years.

On August 16, 1953, she married Lester Walcott. They were blessed with three children. Wilma and Lester farmed north of Shelton for 62 years. She loved living on the farm, planting a big garden, and helping Lester in all aspects of farm life.

Wilma was a lifelong member of Zion North Shelton. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was a member of the Ladies Aid and LWML, living her faith through her words and actions.

Wilma worked at Shelton Public Schools for 22 years, baking for the school lunch program. She enjoyed interacting with students of all ages and was famous for her amazing cinnamon rolls. At home, she baked family favorites of cinnamon rolls, lemon meringue pie, and angel food cake. She was also a 4-H leader and enjoyed ceramics and square dancing. Most of all, she was a caring friend, always ready to lend a hand to whomever needed it.

Wilma was diagnosed with MS in her 60s. She fought the progression of her disease valiantly, refusing to give in to it or let it define her. After Lester died, she moved to Brookdale Assisted Living and then Brookstone Gardens, both in Kearney. But the farm was always home in her heart.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester; and an infant nephew. She is survived by her children, Mike Walcott of Kearney, Deb (Mike) Nigbur of Colorado Springs, and Judy (Don) Leidy of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren, Brad (Allison) Nigbur and Brandon Nigbur; and her precious great-granddaughter, Emery Nigbur, all of Colorado Springs. Additional survivors include her siblings, Ron (Opal) Meyer, Fay (Bruce) Myers; nieces and nephews, and their families.

Wilma's celebration of life will be held in the spring on April 12, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney, with burial at Zion North Shelton cemetery.

Cards may be mailed to the family in care of Judy Leidy, 29 Mountain Pine Drive, Littleton, CO 80127.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wilma's honor to Orphan Grain Train, which distributes needed items to 71 countries or Mission Central, which provides resources for mission outreach, education, and disaster response around the world.

Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl

Kearney, Nebraska