Wilma Eileen Coleman, 93 years old of Wentzville, MO, went home to be with Jesus on October 31, 2024

She was born on March 10, 1931, in Benkelman, NE to Howard and Mae Merklin.

She moved to Cheyenne at a young age, graduated in 1949 from Cheyenne Central High School where she resided until her marriage to Elmer L Coleman on June 4, 1950.

As her role of a service man's wife evolved to that of a preacher's wife, she moved a lot, living in many midwestern and eastern parts of the country. Wilma was very involved in each church that they served, either playing the piano, organ or singing in the choir and she always took a leadership role in working with the women's church organizations.

She particularly loved to cook for her church family, everything from full breakfasts with sweet rolls for the Sunrise Service to complete dinners for all types of evening church events. For her, putting out 4 turkeys with all the fixings and 14 pies at once, just came naturally.

Wilma greatest joy came from baking, particularly during the holidays. She preserved old family "Wyomingite" recipes in the way of unique cookies and hand molded chocolate candies. Her kitchen was nicknamed "Chewy's Diner", because it served as a gathering spot for drop-in church members and friends looking for a sweet treat or a meal with an evening of talk.

In her spare time, she was an avid gardener, always hoping for a big crop that she would be able to freeze or can. Wilma was also an accomplished seamstress for over 60 years. Her repertoire included wedding gowns, band and cheerleading uniforms, Halloween costumes and oversized stuffed dogs. She also sewed most of her own clothing.

She loved to travel! Every summer she traveled cross-country to visit her family in Cheyenne where her brother Dick still resides. One of the highlights of her life was a trip to the Holy Land in 1987, where she walked where Jesus walked in Jerusalem.

Wilma was a huge Buffalo Bills fan! She watched every football game of the season and had a great memory for detail. She knew the ranking of most teams throughout the year as well as the names of the coaches and key players on all NFL teams. She was also a natural armchair contestant for game shows such as The Price is Right and Jeopardy and wasn't at all shy about competing at home using her trivia knowledge and beating the buzzer on TV.

Wilma was a recognized fixture at WCA Hospital in Jamestown for 16 years where she worked as an Outpatient Billing assistant until she retired in 2004.

Wilma was preceded by her mother and father, Mae and Howard Merklin and brother Ken Merklin, all of Cheyenne, WY, and by Rev Elmer L Coleman, her husband of 55 years. She is survived by her 3 children: Marjorie Royster – West Haven, CT, Marilyn Funk – Wentzville, MO, and Myron Coleman – St Louis, MO; as well as her brother - Dick Merklin of Cheyenne WY.

She had 5 Grandchildren Kyle Funk – Wright City, MO, Julie Ryder – Memphis TN, Geoffrey Royster – Orange CT, Kelly Brower – Lake St Louis, MO, and Andrew Royster - Raleigh NC

She had 9 Great-Grand Children, 4 Nieces and 3 Nephews.

Friends will be received from 4:00p – 6:00pm Thursday, November 7th in the Lind Funeral Home.

The funeral will be held at 11 am Friday November 8th in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Association or American Heart Association.