Wilma L. Whitacre

Wilma L. Whitacre, 81, of Van Wert, died at 10:27 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at Van Wert Manor.

She was born March 26, 1932, in Rockwood, Tenn., the daughter of the late WM Smith and Jessie (Hendrickson) Rayburn. On February 28, 1950, she married Joe M. Whitacre, who preceded her in death on June 23, 2002.

She is survived by her children, Joe M. (Rhonda) Whitacre II and Lynda W. (Timothy) Purmort, both of Van Wert; grandchildren Michele (Michael) Mooney and Leah (Troy) Treece, both of  Van Wert, Alec Purmort of Langsville, and Camron Whitacre of Dayton; stepgrandchildren, Jaime (Cory) Parker of Van Wert and Amanda Bherns of Bryan; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Ellie Mooney and Owen and Olivia Treece of Van Wert, and Macy and Lochlen Purmort of Langsville; stepgreat-grandchildren, Trista Bond of Hicksville and Kierstyn and Dominique Bherns of Bryan; a sister, F. Lynne Wilson of Van Wert; one half-brother, Billy Howard Rayburn of Rockwood, Tenn.; two sisters-in-law, Joan Rayburn of Knoxville, Tenn., and Bernice LaViness of Lima; a niece, Lori (Dave) Burnett of Van Wert ; and one nephew, J. Fred (Debbie) Carmichael of Lima.

A brother, Thomas F. Rayburn; and one half-sister, Eula May Mason, also preceded her in death.

Wilma was a longtime employee of Federal-Mogul Corporation’s National Seal Division, working mostly in the laboratory, and was a member of United Steelworkers and also the Van Wert County Hospital Twigs organization.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, January 20, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, January 19, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Alzheimer’s Association or Van Wert County Hospital Twigs groups.

Online condolences may be left at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.