Obituary of Wilma Ruth Bethel

Wilma Ruth (Blair) Bethel passed away peacefully in her home in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, September 17, 2012 at the age of 75. Wilma was born on March 22, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Camdenton High School in 1955. Wilma achieved awards in English and Athletics Scholarship. She attended Southwest Baptist University, University of Missouri and attained an AA Degree from Phoenix College in Arizona. She later attended night school at Arizona State University. Wilma worked for Blair Distributing and later for Blair Cedar and Novelty in Camdenton. After moving to Arizona, she worked for the state, where she held different jobs before retiring from the Department of Economic Security / Aging and Adult Administration. Wilma was preceded in death her parents, Ralph and Ruth (Osborn) Blair; infant brother Donald; and eldest daughter, Vicki. Wilma is survived by her two brothers, Robert Ralph and Billy John; her three daughters, Teresa, Sheryl and Jackie; twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Wilma was a charter member of First Southern Baptist Church and was the First Soprano in the Sanctuary Choir and Impact Choir where she played the hand bell chimes. Wilma was a compassionate woman who would never turn away anyone in need. She enjoyed traveling, ballroom dancing, photography, and family get-togethers. She kept long term friendships that lasted 40+ years. Wilma was a remarkable woman with a heart of gold and will be missed by all.