Wilma's life was marked by her dedication to both family and community. She married Richard Dennis on April 23, 1950 and together they cherished their family, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her career path included roles as a telephone operator and working at Dad's Deli.
Her personal interests were as diverse as they were engaging. Wilma found joy during her youth in roller skating, line dancing, gardening. Her most favorite thing was growing and selling pumpkins during the Fall season. She was always known as the "Pumpkin Lady" on Alto Road. Supporting the Colts football team, and cheering for IU basketball were among her favorite pastimes. Wilma also cherished the Christmas season, it was nothing for her to be up at 4:00 am to go Christmas shopping for her grandchildren to make sure they received the perfect gift.
Wilma was a past member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she contributed to her community with the same passion she brought to all aspects of her life.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Richard Dennis, her infant daughter Brenda Renee Dennis; infant niece Laura Marie Hettmansperger; her brother Kenneth Hettmansperger, and her great-grandson Johnathan William Carl Lerche.
She is survived by her daughter Rhonda Beatty (Jay Fetters), grandchildren Jennifer Jack (Chris), Johnathan Lerche (Misty), and Allie Beatty, as well as great-grandchildren Nevaeh Jack, Tyler Jack, Zayne Lerche, Zakari Lerche, and Kayden Diaz. Wilma also leaves behind her brother Bob Hettmansperger (Chloe), her nephews Scott Hettmansperger (Michelle), and Mark Hettmansperger.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, on January 26, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 1:00 pm.
The final resting place will be Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, located at 2097 W Alto Rd, Kokomo.
