Wilma Jean 'Willie' Blosser, 10 Jun 1937 - 11 Feb 2023

BLOSSER, YOSS, O’ROURKE

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/15/2023 at 13:43:34

Wilma “Willie” Jean Blosser passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

Willie was born June 10, 1937, on a farm near Wellman, Iowa. She was the daughter of Menno and Albertine (Yoss) Blosser. She graduated from North English High School in 1955. She continued her education at Coe College and St. Luke’s School of Nursing, where she trained as a registered nurse. She later worked in labor and delivery and was a nursing instructor at St. Luke’s. Additionally, she worked in a urology clinic for a number of years. In conjunction with the University of Iowa and Iowa State Board of Health, she obtained her Health Care Administration license, after passing the state boards.

She served as assistant administrator and health service supervisor at the Winslow House Health Care Center for eight years. While living in Iowa, she was a member of Quota Club International of Cedar Rapids and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

In 1996, she moved to Palm Desert, Calif., for the betterment of her health. She was a member of the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, where she served as a volunteer, Deaconess and Stephen’s Minister.

Willie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis while she was in nursing school and never let it slow her down. She was often heard saying, “I may have MS, but MS doesn’t have me.” Willie was gifted with the spirit of servanthood. She always had a ready smile and laugh and a great love for people and beauty. She had a special interest in and understanding of the elderly. Her source of strength was her God. She was also known for her poetry and artistic abilities.

In later years, she authored and published a book of poetry entitled “Quiet Reflections,” which includes her artwork and reflects her struggles, triumphs and overall experiences in life. She shared her art and poetry willingly with others.

While in California, she was an active supporter of and volunteer for a number of community organizations, including College of the Desert, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, McCallum Theatre, Desert Symphony and Eisenhower Medical Center.

Willie is survived by her sister, Lois (Blosser) O’Rourke, and Lois’s husband, Pat of Madison, Wis.; a nephew, Shawn O’Rourke, and his wife, Beth of Birmingham, Mich.; and two great-nephews, Ian O’Rourke of Kansas City, Kan., and Connor O’Rourke, and his wife, Kelly of East Lansing, Mich.

Willie loved her family and treasured the time she spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents and longtime friend, Marian Hunting.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. May 21, at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (Cedar Rapids), Coachella Valley Rescue Mission or MS Society.

Published in The Gazette on March 12, 2023.