Wilma Oxford was born on January 21, 1925 at the family homestead northeast of Ekalaka on an extremely cold winter day. Wilma loved going to school and attended the Spring Valley grade school and later graduated from Carter County High School. She went to Billings with her sister, Diana, to get the credits to get her teaching license then taught for two years at Schofield School and a year at the Burch school. While Wilma was still in high school she met George Oxford and they exchanged letters for the nearly four years that he served in World War II. They were married on March 23, 1945, right after George returned home. This was a lifetime union that lasted 54 years. They began their marriage in the old rock house on the Oxford homestead but later moved to Miles City, then to the state highway section house at Ismay where they enjoyed being part of that community for over 25 years. They also owned a house in Plevna and stayed there to send kids to school. Wilma made many friends in Plevna. They later bought a house in Miles City and enjoyed their life of retirement.
Wilma always appreciated the little things in life that so many of us take for granted and was always optimistic about the future. Her greatest joys in life were her children and grand-children. When Doug married Bonnie and became the dad of her two children, Wilma welcomed them lovingly into her family. She was also very fond of Heather Vennes and Michelle Reynolds, who spent a great deal of time with her as little girls. She valued a good education for all the young people in the family and was always excited to hear the latest news about each of them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George, and her daughter Penny. She was the last survivor of the seven brothers and sisters in her family. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Vernon and sisters, Diana, Sarah, Mava and Virginia.
She is survived by two sons: Junior, who lives at Highgate Retirement Center in Billings and Doug and his wife Bonnie of Billings. Also, Kay Wells and her husband Dick of Rosebud Creek; six grand-children: Denny Wells, Dean Wells, Kristy Flesch (Bob), Kassia Lyman (Donnyie, Eijai Oxford and Madison Oxford. She also has two great-grand-daughters: Kylee Wells and Sarah Kay Flesch. The staff at Wel-Home Health in Miles City became like family to Wilma, allowing her to live in her home as long as possible and taking care of her so lovingly.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Kay and family…Want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time…As hard as it is to “let go” of our loved ones, I’m always grateful for the Peace that they are blessed with…the earthly suffering has ended! We’ll be out for a visit…Blessings.
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thought are with the families at this time of loss. God Bless, everyone.
Mary Thielen Gaub says
Wilma was a wonderful person, always with a big smile. Michelle loved spending time with her and I loved it because Wilma was like another mom to her. I never worried when Michelle was with Wilma. What a great Lady!!
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Sad to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was a good friend to my mom and was a part of my life for a very long time. Memories of her make me smile. I always think about her when I drive by her house.