Wilma June (Gundrum) Wilder, age 81, passed away May 14, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. at her home in Globe, Ariz. with her three great-granddaughters by her side. Wilma was born Aug. 26, 1939 in Stroh, Ind. to Carl B. and Edith Violet (Wilson) Gundrum. Wilma dropped out of school at a young age to help with the family. Her first job was at a five & dime store where she stocked and ran the cash register. That is where she met John (Art) Wilder Sr. They were married May 3, 1959. While living in Sturgis, Mi. they had three children; John Arthur (Barbara Ann) Wilder Jr., Brenda Lea (Roland Lee) Smith and Renea Violet (Pete) Shaffer. They moved to Jackson, Mi. shortly after their youngest daughter’s birth, where they lived on a farm. She worked with her family, teaching her children how to care for the farm animals, gardening and canning.
Wilma worked as a paraprofessional at Ackerson Lake Elementary School for several years. In November of 1974 while helping watch the children on the playground Wilma was struck by lightning on the right side of her head. After spending over three months in ICU Wilma was able to go home to be with her family. One year later she had her first of many heart attacks. Wilma didn’t let that stop her from being the wife and mother she was. Over the years she had more problems with her heart, having a pacemaker put in. With all three of her children graduating and having families of their own in 1993 after Art retired, they moved to Globe to be with and care for Art’s father. There she was a volunteer at the Gila Community Food Bank for several years working with Audrey Opitz, meeting so many people that became her friends. Wilma also enjoyed helping her husband Art as he volunteered working with the Gila County Posse and Search and Rescue. They worked together for several years as managers of Four Star Mobile Home Park before fully retiring to enjoy quality time with their family and friends. Wilma enjoyed cooking, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Art, grandson Justin Harland Shaffer and step-great-grandson Nickolas Smith.
Wilma is survived by her three children John, Brenda and Renea, their spouses, her grandchildren Rebecca (Josh) Eichler, Ashley (Scott) Harris, Britnie (Jr) Shouse, Desiree, Alexis and Chelsey, two step-grandchildren Lee and Amber, two sisters Annie and Mary, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many other family members.
The services will be private.
The family was assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe. Guest book can be signed at www.BulmanMiles.com.
