She was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Charles (Charlie) Hughes; her two sisters, Lurlan Piercy and Allene Miller; and her long-time friend Dr. Wayne Pilcher. She was a loving mother and will be greatly missed by her son Randy Hughes; daughter Tina (Hughes) Sheary and son-in-law John Sheary; extended family members Doug and Janet (Pilcher) Johnson and their children, Brian and Lauren.
Wilma was born October 13, 1925, in Canton, Illinois, to parents Alex and Lena Phillips. She and her husband Charlie made their home in Leawood, Kansas. Wilma embraced her community, placing a high value on contributing her time and talents to others. She lived life to the fullest remaining active with two bridge clubs for over 30 years and sharing her beautiful voice with: the Leawood Singers for over 40 years, the choirs of the Leawood Methodist Church and Church of the Resurrection for over 30 years. She was a member of the Leawood Women's Gourmet Club for over 30 years and shared her expert cooking and baking skills with a countless number of family and friends throughout her life.
Wilma made a difference in the lives of many people, including the show horse and Saddlebred community; volunteering, fundraising, promoting and serving as a board member of and for many horse shows including the Kansas City American Royal. She was named the 2010 United Professional Horseman's Association / American Royal Horse person of the year, for her many years of behind the scenes dedication. She worked as a correspondent for The National Horseman and graced the show horse world throughout the country for over 35 years with enthusiasm, style, accuracy, and a sincere love of the people and the sport.
Wilma's character, integrity and work ethic were above reproach and served as a standard for all those that knew her. She loved people and was adored by everyone in return. Wilma will be remembered for her youthfulness, light-heartedness, common sense, fashionableness, kindness, zest for life and making friends wherever she went. Her tenacity, spirited personality, and love will be eternally etched in the hearts of her loved ones and all who knew her.
The family would like to invite you to join them for a Celebration of Life in Wesley Chapel at Church of the Resurrection located at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66224 on Saturday August 25, 2018. Visitation starts at 9:30 am. Memorial service at 11:30 am. Burial Service to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wilma's name to: Church of the Resurrection for the Music Ministry.
