Wilma Jo (Diller) Adams, 88, former longtime Manhattan resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 3, 2020 in Keller, Texas. She and her husband, Kenneth, had lived with her daughter’s family in Keller since the fall of 2014.
Wilma Jo was born April 23, 1931, in Douglass, Kansas, to Clarence and Lydia (Markley) Diller. The family moved to Atlanta, Kansas when she was a young child. She grew up as a hard-working farm girl who loved gardening, raising animals, cooking, and sewing. She graduated from Atlanta High School in 1949. She went on to graduate from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1953.
Wilma Jo was well known as an outstanding vocalist singing in her church and many other venues. While in college she sang in the Symphonic Choir and performed in several musical plays. She was a lifetime member of the American Association of University Women. In Manhattan, she enjoyed membership in the Review Club, Manhattan Dance Club, and the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church.
On June 26,1954, she and Kenneth Adams Jr. were married at the Methodist Church in Atlanta, KS. They made their first home in Arkansas City, KS. where Wilma Jo taught primary grades at Lincoln Elementary School. Through the years, they also lived throughout Kansas in Eureka, Wichita, Pratt, Garden City, Parsons, and Hays before moving to Manhattan following retirement.
First and foremost, Wilma Jo was a devoted wife and mother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a vivacious personality and a wonderful smile that could light up any room. Known for her kind and generous spirit, she made friends everywhere she went and always put others ahead of herself. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Clarence and Lydia Diller; sisters: Norma Henderson and JoAnn Heasty and brother Robert Diller.
Survivors include her husband; Kenneth; daughter and son-in-law: Ronda and David Bennett, of Keller, TX and son and daughter-in-law: Mike and Marilene Adams of Owasso, OK; four grandchildren: Tyler (Laci) Bennett of Saginaw, TX, Lauren Bennett, of Keller, TX, Michael (Kylie) Adams of Winfield, KS, and Wesley Adams of Winfield, KS; three great grandchildren,:Atlee and Josie of Saginaw, TX and Daniel of Winfield, KS as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday January 10, 2020 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday January 10, 2020 at the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church in Manhattan, KS with the Reverend Laura Burnett officiating. Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the Atlanta Cemetery in Atlanta, KS.
Memorial contributions are suggested for Blue Valley United Methodist Church. They may be left or sent to the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home at 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502. These may also be left or sent to the church at 835 Church Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502