Wilma Carrolle Tucker Oertli

Wilma graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1941 and from Washington State University in Home Economics Education in 1945. In 1944, while on summer vacation, she met and married Clifford Oertli who was stationed with the 29th Engineers at Onalaska, WA.

Wilma began her 30-year Home Economics teaching career in 1945 at LaCenter, WA where she taught until 1948 and then moved to Ethel, WA. During the next four years her children, Ellen and Doug were born and she worked in the family business, Oertli Farms. They raised fryer chickens and distributed fresh, packaged fryers to most local stores along State Highway 12 and Pacific Highway 99 from Packwood to Rochester, WA.

She returned to teaching in 1952 first at Winlock High School for six years and then in 1958 moved to Centralia High School and taught for 21 years until her retirement in 1979. She influenced the lives of many children during her 30 year teaching career and is remembered fondly by her former students.

In 1974 she moved to Grand Mound, WA to a new home built by her husband. It was the first of three homes that they built, moved into and sold while maintaining a Christmas tree farm.

In 1991, she met a wonderful man, Ron Romine from Olympia and moved to Lacey. Together they enjoyed life with activities that included twelve cruises, motor home travels and many community and family events.

Wilma was active in many community activities. She was a 74-year member and Past Worthy Matron of the Silver Creek Chapter #119 Order of the Eastern Star (Chehalis Chapter #3); a 74-year member of the Grange. She was active with Washington State Retired Teachers, served as Unit President and Vice President, Coordinating Council Chair for District SW-4 for 1 year and as District Representative for SW-4 on the WSRTA State Board for 2 years. She was a 50-year member of the Eagles, Elks and Moose Lodges. She danced with the Prairie Steppers Square Dance Club and traveled with Elks Travel Club.

She continued her love for sewing by designing & making cruise wear – tuxedos, tailored jackets & pants and formals. She was an avid doll collector for many years. She made many ceramic dolls and designed and made beautiful clothing for them.

Wilma dedicated her life to helping family, friends, neighbors and students. She will be greatly missed. Wilma is survived by her partner of 25 years, Ron Romine of Olympia, WA, a daughter, Ellen, Lacey, WA, a son, Douglas, Centralia WA, nieces Carole Thomas Wiskirken, Auburn, WA, Karen Wood Deck (Dwayne), Centralia, WA, nephews, James Wood (Elaine), Gary Wood (Kathleen) and Farrel Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Clifford Oertli (1988), sisters, Esther Tucker (1917), Laura Wood (1996), Rosetta Dluhosh (1997), and Naomi Thomas (1998)

A Graveside Services will be held at 11 am on January 9 at Salkum Cemetery, Dan Schaefer and Chehalis Chapter #3 Order of Eastern Star will officiate. A reception will follow at Salkum Fire Department, 2495 US-12, Salkum, WA 98582. Visitation may be made on January 8th from 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia.

Remembrances may be donations to:

Thurston County Humane Society, PMB #397, 3403 Steamboat Island R. N.W., Olympia, WA 98502, Tax Code: TCHS, Inc. E.I.N. #91-6057794, donate online http://www.thurstoncountyhumanesociety.org/donations.html

or

Washington State University https://secure.wsu.edu/give/ Home Economics Scholarship Fund For assistance making a gift, please contact the WSU Foundation’s Gift Accounting Office at 509-335-1686 or by email at [email protected].