Wilma Jean Caulfield

Wilma was born in Harrisburg, SD, to Jennie and Chas De Jong on July 20, 1925. She was preceded in death by her parents and 5 siblings Mildred, Charley, Grace, Effie and Henry. She was raised on the farm and attended Harrisburg Grade school. Her father died when she was 14 and with her mother and sister moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended High School. As a part time job, she worked at the Hollywood Theater in the popcorn and candy concession stand and later at the bowling alley in the check stand. After high school she went to work for Bell Telephone as an operator.

In 1944 she met and married Carl Jones. The Air Force stationed them in many places, Washington, Panama, Guatemala, Oklahoma, Florida, Alaska, California, Virginia, Mississippi and Idaho. Also, they toured most of the states. They had three children, Dennis, Beverly and Timothy.

Wilma and Carl divorced in 1960. Wilma went to work at the City Hall as Chief Telephone Operator to support her three children.

In 1965 she met and married Ed Schimke. They had three good years together when unfortunately, Ed had a heart attack and passed away. Ed being a Shriner, had started Wilma’s Shrine life. She joined Daughters of the Nile, LOS and Eastern Star. Later she became Queen of the Nile and Grand Ruth of Eastern Star. She ran fund raising events for Shrine Children’s Hospital and always volunteering to help her friends.

In 1969, Wilma met and married Clarence Caulfield. Being a Shriner, he became Potentate in 1983. Their travels included Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Mexico plus owned a motorhome and traveled in the states. They had 16 great years together then Clarence also had a heart attack and passed away.

In 1993 friends introduced Gordon Caird to Wilma. In 1995 Wilma and Gordon were married in Hawaii. Wilma had a wonderful life with Gordon Caird before he passed away in 1999.

In 2001 Wilma and Jim Stephen, also a Shriner, developed a relation. The like spent their winters in Hot Springs, California. Jim passed in 2008. After he passed away Wilma moved to Broadway Court Estates Independent lived retirement home. In Broadway Court she meets Jesse Vincent. Wilma and Jesse would have breakfast, loved going to the casino and shared his and her family get togethers. Jesse passed shortly after his 100th birthday in 2020.

Wilma wrote her own her memoirs. Excerpt from her last page:

“I am 95 years old now. In my lifetime I have crisscross the United States several times by car, train, bus and plane. Most of the time was countless hours and mile in a car traveling as a family. I have also traveled in Canada, Europe, Central America and the Far East. I have lived in many places and have formed many friendships. I have three children, three Grandchildren, eight Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. I have had the fortune of having four wonderful husbands, a good life, and lots of amazing and rewarding experiences. I feel blessed.”

At Wilma’s request no services will be held, she hoped that everyone will celebrate her life. Memorial Contributions in her name to: Shriners Children’s Spokane Donate