Wilma Sabina Schlotterbeck

Wilma S. Schlotterbeck passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024 after a brave battle with dementia. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland on August 28, 1939 to William and Maxine Showe, Wilma was the 2nd of 6 children.

After graduating from high school, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Kenneth (Kenny) Schlotterbeck on December 11, 1957. Kenny enlisted in the Air Force, and after being stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Wilma moved across the country to Tucson, Arizona to join him. The city would become their life-long home, and is where they raised their children Kendra, Mark, and David. Wilma was primarily a homemaker, but did have several jobs throughout her life. She worked briefly as a dental assistant, then as a book-keeper for the family’s locksmith business, but later found her true calling working with children as a teacher’s aide at Fort Lowell elementary school. “Mrs. S.”, as the students called her, was a beloved fixture at the school for 28 years. During her time there, she made many friends and touched the lives of countless students. Former students would often approach her when seeing her outside of school and remind her how she always made a positive impact on their time at school. Throughout her life, Wilma had several passions. Her first was a love for children. In addition to her time as a teacher’s aide, this would be evidenced by her time teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church, and also through her time spent volunteering reading to children. She had a love for animals, and there was always a furry or feathered friend present in her life. She was an avid reader, enjoyed watching musicals, doing crossword puzzles, and had a love of music (especially her beloved Ricky Nelson). Her biggest love, however, was her family, whom she would do anything for. Whether it was baking Kenny’s beloved Christmas fruitcake, or never forgetting to send holiday, birthday, or thank you cards to all her family and friends. These things were just a small display of her tender, kind heart and loving spirit, which her family will always remember.

Greeting Wilma in eternal rest are her husband Kenny, parents William Showe and Maxine Showe, and siblings Audrey Buchanan, Betsy Showe, and David Showe.

Wilma is survived by her children Kendra Schlotterbeck, Mark Schlotterbeck, David (Lindsay) Schlotterback and grandson Nolan Schlotterbeck, sister Patricia (Butch) Bartlett, sister Debbie Burger, and multiple nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held in Tucson, Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a children’s education foundation.