Wilma Jane Hootman, passed away on Saturday April 20, 2024 at the age of 89, in Urbandale, IA. Born on April 27, 1934, in Jefferson County, Iowa, to William J. and Beulah B. Bruey Tonkinson. Wilma was a woman whose warmth and vivacity left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Wilma’s grew up on, the family farm in Van Buren County where she learned ‘the values of hard work and community. She attended rural school during her elementary years and continued her education at Birmingham High School and later at Ottumwa High School, where she was an enthusiastic member of the cheer squad. Her school spirit was infectious, and it was a period of her life that she always remembered fondly.
On June 11, 1954, Wilma married the love of her life, Dewayne Hootman, at the Christian Church Parsonage in Fairfield. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and dance. Wilma’s professional life was as varied as it was fulfilling. She worked at Woolworths for a short time and for many years at Universal Production Company. She also contributed her skills to the Glove Factory in Fairfield. Wilma worked alongside her husband at the Sandwich Shop and served as a substitute cook at Fairfield High School, where her culinary delights were enjoyed by many.
Wilma’s talents were many, but she was particularly known for her gift as a seamstress. She had a passion for gardening, nurturing tomatoes, and flowers with great care—even if her husband’s mowing occasionally interrupted their growth. She created many intricate designs with her crochet work. An active member of several women’s bowling leagues, Wilma’s competitive spirit and camaraderie took her across the state for bowling tournaments. She also enjoyed traveling around the country with the Heritage group from First National Bank and cherished the times spent in Polishville dancing helping in the kitchen. Dancing was a joy for both Wilma and Dewayne, and they seized every opportunity to dance together.
Wilma’s legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her daughter, Sherry Coop of Urbandale; her sister, Lola Kirchner of Stockport; her grandchildren, Eric Coop (Ayesha) of Urbandale and Christiana Skarp of Brainard, MN; and her seven great-grandchildren. They, along with numerous friends and community members, will forever remember her vibrant spirit and love for life.
Wilma was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Dewayne, her son, Ronald Dewayne Hootman, and her siblings, Mary Louise Garretson, Vivian Marie Beckett, Melvia Lee Peck, Katherine Disney, Ruth Esther Countryman, and Robert William Tonkinson.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate Wilma’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery in Fairfield, with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com, a space where memories and messages of comfort can be shared. Memorials in Wilma’s honor to Noah’s Ark or Fairfield High School may be brought to the graveside or mailed to the family at 8016 Plum Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322.
