Wilma Marguerite Sykes

Wilma Marguerite Sykes, age 96, passed away peacefully in Aurora, CO on December 24, 2015. A memorial reception will be 11:00 a.m. January 2, 2015, at 6819 S. Jasmine Ct., Centennial, CO 80112. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. January 4 in Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, NE.

Wilma was born January 24, 1919, in Kansas City, MO. Her parents were Anna Steinmeyer Carsten & Frederick Theodore Carsten of Hallam, NE. She graduated from high school in Hallam, NE. In 1940, she graduated from Doane College in Crete, NE with a degree in Liberal Arts and began teaching in Western NE. She married Howard Allen Sykes, her high school sweetheart, on October 30, 1942. Her daughter Rebecca Ann Sykes was born in Lincoln, NE. After the family moved to Oklahoma City, OK Howard Allen Sykes, Jr. was born. Howard’s career as a geologist enabled the family to live in Pittsburg, PA, Ardmore, OK, and later they returned to Oklahoma City where they raised their children. Eventually they moved to Liberal, KS and then to Centennial, CO where they retired.

Wilma enjoyed meeting people and building life- long friendships. Her hobbies included photography and frequent traveling with family and friends. She was an accomplished singer and piano player. She was an alto in the Sweet Adeline’s, active in the PTA, a Red Cross volunteer and enjoyed playing bridge and socializing with friends and acquaintances. She was proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hallam Bank, Hallam, NE for many years. She and Howard were active members of the United Methodist Church congregations in each community they lived.

Wilma was a devoted wife to Howard for 73 years. As a homemaker and mother she provided constant encouragement to her children to pursue their careers of choice. Wilma is survived by her husband, Howard Allen Sykes, son Howard Allen Sykes, Jr and wife Jane of Waco, TX, daughter Rebecca Ann Sykes Brooks of Tustin, CA., grandson Brian Elliott Sykes and wife Kelly of St. Louis, MO, grandson Kevin Carsten Sykes and wife Jenna of Ft. Worth, TX and great-grandchildren Elliott Austing Sykes, Lucy Charlotte Sykes, and Macarthur Tate Sykes.

The family would like to thank Wilma’s many care givers with special consideration to Visiting Angels. Sincere gratitude goes to Kristina Vasquez with whom Wilma built a special relationship. The Sykes’ family will always appreciate her devoted level of comfort. Additional thanks are extended to the ICU doctors, nurses, and staff at Medical Center of Aurora for their exceptional treatment and professional care.

Wilma, you will be missed by so many friends, but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Doane College, 1014 Boswell Ave. Crete, NE 68333 or Grace United Methodist Church, 4905 E. Yale Ave. Denver, CO 80222.