Wilma J. Michael

Wilma J. Michael, 84, of Ottawa, Kansas, died peacefully Thursday, December 31, 2015, at Ransom Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. Family and friends will meet from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Thursday, January 7, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary to celebrate Wilma’s life. Wilma was born Tuesday, October 20, 1931, in Riley County, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Rozina (Tharp) Taylor. She lived in various locations throughout her life including; Westmoreland until 1949, Topeka until 1959, and Wamego until 1998. In 1998, she moved to Ottawa, where she made her home until her death. She graduated from Westmorland High School with the class of 1949 and continued her education at Kansas City Secretarial School graduating in 1951. Wilma was united in marriage with Glenn Elvin Michael October 20, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1955. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Lewis Taylor, Charles Taylor and Marvin Taylor. Survivors include her son, Les Michael and wife Debbie of Ottawa; brother, Willard Taylor and wife Dora of Topeka; three grandchildren, Evan Michael and wife Cari of Paola, Eric Michael and wife Aubree of Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Lacy Michael of Ottawa; and five great grandchildren, Sariah Michael, Kailey Michael, Ethan Thompson, Gabriel Michael, and Wyatt Thompson. Wilma was employed as a secretary with Hussy Insurance Agency, Topeka, from the early 1950s to 1959, and as an office manager with Balderson/Caterpiller, Wamego, for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1999. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wamego and Ottawa, and was a lifelong American Legion Auxiliary member. Wilma served in the 1960s on the school board in Wamego, was active in local clubs, Officer with Oasis and the breast cancer support, and volunteered with Franklin County Cancer Foundation. Wilma loved sports and could talk about teams as far back as 60 years, played basketball in high school and softball as young adult. She never failed to do the Ottawa Herald’s crossword puzzles and stayed interested in current affairs. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Wilma’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com