WILBUR, Caryll (1933-2022)

WILBUR

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/29/2023 at 16:38:57

Caryll Wilbur
(May 8, 1933 - December 18, 2022)

Nola Caryll (Bumgarner) Wilbur was born in a two-bedroom home on a farm west of Liberty Center, Warren County, Iowa, on Monday, May 8, 1933. She passed on to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 18, 2022. She was 89. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. The family will greet friends prior to services from 10 to 11 a.m. Cremation will follow services and inurnment will be held at a later date in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
The baby of the family, Caryll was the 7th child born to John Fredrick Bumgarner and Leona Agnes (Williams) Bumgarner. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edwin, and her siblings: Raymond “Teddy” Bumgarner, Marjorie (Bumgarner) Taylor (husband George), Helen (Bumgarner) Lawrence (husband Paul), Darl Bumgarner (wife Elaine), John Fredrick “Freddie” Bumgarner, Joan (Bumgarner) Guy (husband Dwayne). She was also preceded in death by her nephew, Paul “Fred” Lawrence and stepson, Gary Wilbur. Caryll attended school at Milo and Liberty Center in what is now known as Southeast Warren School District. She graduated from Liberty Center Consolidated High School in May 1950. She loved living on the farm and the land is still in her family. She shared many stories of life on the farm including accompanying her dad for chores, the smells and tastes of her mother’s wonderful cooking on a wood stove, neighbors helping neighbors during difficult times, and even a cantankerous Billy-goat named Big Buck that would follow Caryll everywhere and sneak up behind unsuspecting guests to headbutt them from behind if they weren’t paying attention. Caryll’s little dog, Gertie, was one of her favorite friends when she was young. A dog lover, Caryll had dogs throughout her life including her beloved Angel who was her best friend to the end and always on her lap giving cuddles and kisses. Caryll married Edwin “Eddie” Ray Wilbur, son of Eddie and Minnie (Holcomb) Wilbur, on November 15, 1952, in Chariton, Iowa. Caryll and Eddie made their home in Indianola at 701 West 3rd Avenue. This house was Caryll’s home of 70 years, and she loved spending time there even when she was living at The Village in Indianola. She is the last of the original neighbors in the neighborhood. Caryll and Eddie adopted a son, Stephen Ray Wilbur, on September 21, 1961. They always told Stephen he was “special chosen” as an adopted child, which was a beautiful, loving way to explain adoption. Edwin was a self-employed carpenter for most of his life. Edwin preceded Caryll in death on May 24, 2008, after being married for 55 years.
Caryll worked as Chief Index Clerk for the Iowa Senate for 28 years (1970 to 1998) before retiring on October 30, 1998. In a personal letter to Caryll, Secretary of State, Paul Pate, wrote, “I came to appreciate all the work that is done behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the Legislature. Although it’s rare that staff persons are publicly recognized for their efforts, please be assured that your dedication and commitment to accuracy were appreciated. You have served the Senate and the people of Iowa well over the years.” Caryll was a dedicated wife, a wonderful mother, and a loving grandmother. She attended all of her son’s school and sporting events – even getting caught once in a blizzard and sliding into the ditch on the drive home from Iowa City after an Iowa wrestling meet. In speaking of her grandson, Matthew, she always said, “He is such a good boy and I’m so proud of him” anytime his name was mentioned. She felt particularly proud of him for his work at Promise Land Ministries in Florida reaching out to people struggling in life. It always meant so much to her that he ended every telephone conversation by praying for her. Even when she was very sick, her eyes brightened and her smile widened when he would call. Caryll was known by all as a loving caregiver. Her mother lived in her home during her last days until her death from cancer in 1963, so Caryll could care for her. She cared for her husband and brothers and sisters throughout the aging process and final illnesses always giving whatever was needed without a second thought or expectation of anything in return. Caryll inherited the talent for being an amazing cook from her mother. Her pies were the best around, and nearly everything she made from scratch had that wholesome, home-cooked flavors that make one’s mouth water for more. It was the kind of food that “sticks to your ribs” after a hard day working on the farm. Her grandson, Matthew, frequently requested hamballs – one of her specialties – for Christmas dinner. Holidays, birthdays, and Sundays were celebrated family days with meals that seemed more like feasts. If there wasn’t enough food to share with the neighbors and still have left-overs, then the recipes would be doubled for the next time. Caryll was a faithful believer in Jesus and a long-time member of the Indianola First United Methodist Church. She was a hard-working volunteer for the Republican party and served for years as a poll volunteer for elections. She was a 50-year member of the Rebekah Lodge.
Caryll is survived by her son, Stephen, her grandson, Matthew, and her sweet little dog Angel. She is also survived by nieces Debbie (Gary) Bowlin, Karyn (Bob) Ford, Deanna (Paul) Webb, Sheila Seley, Diane Youker, and nephews Gary (Elaine) Lawrence and Mark (Jeanette) Youker. A special cousin connection to the Holmgren family (the late Albert and Martha Mae) includes Beth (Don) Winn, Diane (Ron) Peltz, and Mark (LaVonne) Holmgren. Numerous great and great-great nieces, nephews and cousins were frequently in her thoughts. Caryll was blessed with many good friends and neighbors over the years – too many to name them all – but rest assured she cherished each and every one. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either Promise Land Ministries, 20 Church Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327 (Caryll’s grandson Matthew serves at this Christian organization that helps people overcome addiction) or the Indianola First United Methodist Church, 307 W Ashland Ave, Indianola, IA 50125. [This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]