Wilma A. Springer

Wilma A. Springer, 94 of The Gardens, Wapakoneta, died 5:54 p.m., Wed. Dec. 26, 2018, at Mercy Health- St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, with her family at her side. She was born Oct. 22, 1924, in Jackson Twp. Putnam Co., OH, the daughter of August & Carolina (Pohl) Utrup. She was married to Nile McDonel and he was killed while in the service during W.W. II. Then on Sept. 13, 1946, she married Harold Springer, and he preceded her in death April 24, 1986. Survivors include, 3 daughters, Pat (Sam) Wiford, Wapakoneta, Linda (Bill) Drawe, Sequin, TX Jin Stratton, Wapakoneta, 5 grandchildren, Tammy Wiford, Brett (Angie) Wiford, Dee Dee (Sammy) Phillips, Kelly (Ric) Henry, & Dana Stratton, 10 great grandchildren, Will & Brynn Wiford; Caleb, Jacob, & Rachel Phillips, John Thomas Henry & Sadie Henry; Kylie Hall, Cameron Cushman, & Connor Stratton, a great great grandchild, Caden Phillips, siblings, Lauretta Hollar, Delphos, OH; Ruth Martin, Lima; Ed Utrup, Delphos; and Irene Utrup, Delphos, sisters-in-law, Gloria Utrup and Annaka Utrup. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a son & daughter-in-law, Larry (Sharon) Springer; a son-in-law, Victor Stratton; 2 brothers, Roman Utrup, Art (Berdine) Utrup; and brothers-in-law & sister-in-law, Merle Hollar, Bill Martin, Ruth Utrup. Wilma worked as a nurse and administrator at the Cridersville Nursing Home for 35 years. She was a graduate of Middle Point High School. Wilma was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, and volunteered with the Stephens Ministry at the church. Her hobbies included reading, playing bingo, crossword puzzles and playing cards. She also served as secretary with the Ohio Appaloosa Horse Assn. for many years. In her younger years, Wilma played the harmonica in her family band at weddings and other gatherings. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Mon. Dec. 31, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta. With Rev. Sean Wilson officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive family and friends 2-7 p.m., Sun. Dec. 30, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501) Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Wilma A. Springer

October 22, 1924 - December 26, 2018