Wilma Jeanne Burton died Thursday, February 10, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. She was born on July 16, `1931 in Poteau, OK to Mollie A. Caldwell & John D. Ritter.
Wilma graduated from Poteau High School where she met the love of her life – Joe Earl Burton. They were married on September 4, 1948. In 1950 they moved to California where they lived for several years, and in 1963 they moved to Poteau.
Wilma and Joe were active, long-time members of First United Methodist Church in Poteau, where they enjoyed singing in the choir together. Over the years Wilma was involved in teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School, and various other activities. She loved reading her Bible and sharing her faith.
As a homemaker and mother of 3, she was a wonderful cook and her sewing talents were evident in the dresses and formals that she made for special occasions. She also made beautiful afghans.
Later, Wilma worked outside the home for a short time as part-time secretary for a local auto dealership. Then, in 1971 when Joe moved their business, Burton Tool and Cutter Grinding, into a new building, Wilma was full-time secretary/bookkeeper.
Wilma was avid fan of the University of Oklahoma Sooner, attending many football games with husband, Joe and their friends from Poteau.
In the years leading up to Joe’s diagnosis with cancer in 1984, they were able to make some lasting memories traveling and sightseeing around the country, as well as their favorite weekend trip to Branson or camping at Roaring River. Joe died in 1986 and after some time off, Wilma delivered Meals on Wheels for 10 years. She enjoyed season tickets to the Fort Smith Symphony.
Wilma was a very loving “Meemaw” to her 5 grandchildren. Her house was a fun place, especially with the various modes of child transportation that were waiting in the garage. In 1998 she was diagnosed with dementia.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Joe and her parents. She is survived by her son, Joe Bob Burton of Tulsa, OK; her daughter Diane & husband Gary Nishmuta of Van Buren, AR; her son Jeff Burton and wife Debbie of Edmond, OK; sister Phyllis and husband Vernon Roberts of Poteau, OK; and sister Dama and husband Ron Butler of Park Hill, OK. She has 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Services will be 2 pm, Monday, February 14, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK.. The family will be at the funeral home at 1 pm, Monday before the service to visit with relatives & friends.
Please consider donations to Poteau’s Meals on Wheels program – Poteau Nutrition Center, 500 Tyman Park Dr., Poteau, OK.- or the Alzheimers Association.