Wilma Jean McQuade died Friday, July 1st, 2022 at her home in Joplin, Missouri where she had resided the past year with her daughter Donna.
Wilma was born Feb, 23, 1935, in Pittsburg, Kansas to Floy Bradley Nelson and W.S. Nelson.
In 1962 she was united in marriage to William Owen McQuade; he preceded her in death in 2020.
She lived most of her life in the Pittsburg, Kansas area plus the past 9 years at Carl Junction Assisted Living, Carl Junction, Missouri.
Wilma graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1952. She would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science teaching degree at Kansas State College of Pittsburg and her Masters in Special Education, Pittsburg State University. She would devout her working years to non-profit work for adults with special needs, due in large part to raising her own son who had these special needs. A pioneer in the field, she started the first workshops and group home in Pittsburg, Kansas for the developmentally disabled.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, where she was a past President of the United Methodist Women’s group and hosted annual Mothers Day tea parties. She also volunteered as a pink lady for Mt. Carmel now Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for many years.
For the past several decades until failing health Wilma enjoyed RV camping throughout the US and traveling worldwide with her husband Bill. She truly loved the art of quilting and making many quilts for her family.
Her Children: William Clinton McQuade, preceded in death Aug. 2007, Bonnie Sue Titus (spouse Tom Titus), Dianna “Dee” Timi (spouse Jeff Timi), and Donna Jean Jackson (fiancé Randy Ferson). Grandchildren: 9, great-grandchildren 28, and 3 great-great-grandchildren and her beloved dog Louis.
She was preceded in death by her husband and son and sisters: Eula Daughtery-Wiltgen, &; Phyllis Norine (Nelson)Russell.
The Family would like to thank Avalon Hospice for all of their assistance in helping care for Wilma and for her getting to pass peacefully at home as she wished.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Highland Park Cemetery with Rev. Mark Chambers Officiating. There will be a celebration of life following the service at 5275 Foxfire Dr., Loma Linda, MO 64804. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Scholarship she created in memory of her son William Clinton McQuade at Pittsburg State University, would honor her legacy.
