Wilma M. Pumphrey, 95, (formerly Wilma M. Fields) passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday May 8, 2018 from a sudden illness. Wilma was born in Powersville, Missouri, on May 26, 1922. Her parents were James and Ruby Fields. She married Donald R. Pumphrey in Ottumwa, Iowa on July 22, 1940. The two eventually moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1941. Wilma lived in Rockford for 71 years before moving to Dixon, Illinois to be cared for by her youngest daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Frank Hall.
Wilma worked at National Locke for many years and later at Rockford Memorial Hospital.
Survivors include her two daughters, Mrs. Betty (Tom) Fitzgerald, Rockford IL., and Mrs. Patricia (Frank) Hall, Dixon, IL, and her son, Mr. James (Ruth) Pumphrey, Rockford IL. Survived also by three of the four nieces and nephews, left to her and her husband in 1966, after her sister Effie’s death; Mr. James (Lori) Godfrey, Rockford IL., Ms. Ruby Marchell Vogel, Meza AZ. and Mr. Michael (Donna) Godfrey, Beloit.; 21 grandchildren, 9+ great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Donald R. Pumphrey, 1980; her son Donald L. Pumphrey, 2012, son-in-law Mr. Tom Fitzgerald, 2016, her niece Ms. Alice Rehberg, 2016, her sisters Mrs. Ellen (Robert) Pauley, Mrs. Effie (Harley) Godfrey, and her brothers Mr. Ira (Pat) Fields, Mr. Gerol (Jean) Fields, and Mr. Verol Fields.
Visitation will be at 1:00p.m.; with funeral and burial services directly after, to be held Monday, May14, 2018 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State Street, Rockford, IL. 61102. Burial will be at Willwood Burial Park; with Pastor Richard Coffell officiating. Reception will be held afterwards at the Memorial Baptist Church, 7007 Flora Rd, Rockford, IL. 61101.