Wilma (Pals) PROBERT

PROBERT, PALS, STAMP, BERENDT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/10/2008 at 22:07:32

Gazette, The (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA)
October 24, 2007

Wilma Probert, 96, died peacefully Oct. 20, 2007, at Cottage Grove Place after a brief illness. Wilma will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Volga, Iowa, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements by Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Survivors include her two daughters and their husbands, Sue and Meryl Stamp of Surprise, Ariz., and Sara and Robert Berendt of Sanibel, Fla. Also surviving are six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Wilma was born in Meservey, Iowa, on Aug. 10, 1911, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Herman K. Pals. She was the last remaining survivor of six children. Wilma graduated from high school in Sioux Center, Iowa, and continued her education at Central College in Pella, Iowa. After receiving her degree in speech and education, she went on to teach in schools in Fulton, Ill., and Sioux Center. In 1937, Wilma married the love of her life, Mr. William John Probert. In the early years of their marriage "Bill" and Wilma established the foundation of a strong marriage that enabled them to endure the personal tragedy of the loss of their infant daughter, Julianne. The loving marriage was an inspiration to their friends and family. They were married for 67 years when Bill passed away in November of 2005. Wilma had an artistic gift that was evident in her craftwork and floral arrangements. She excelled at oil painting and sketching and documented many poignant scenes and places in Iowa where her family lived. Wilma continued her art education at Coe College and studied with famed artist, Edwin J. Bruins. An active member of the community, Wilma had a strong presence in the Presbyterian Church, where she was an ordained elder, deacon, and Sunday school and Bible instructor. She was a member of the chancel choir and president of the Women's Association. As a member of Chapter II PEO, Wilma served as president of her chapter and the Cedar Rapids Reciprocity. She was a lifetime member of the Cedar Rapids Symphony, The College Club, and the Corner Stone Society of Central College in Pella.

Wilma's passing represents the disappearance of a way of life. She embodied integrity, honesty, strength, and gentle guidance to those who knew her. Her sense of humor was most often subtle and poignant. She was truly a lady, a leader, and a great role model. Her presence is greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Please make memorial contributions to your favorite charity in her memory, or flowers may be sent in her name to Cottage Grove Place (Oaks.