Wilma Gehlert Thompson

Wilma Gehlert Thompson passed away on March 4, 2010, at the home of her daughter in Rolla. She was 85. Wilma was born on September 29, 1924, to Alfred Lewis Gehlert and Carrie Blanch Tyler - Gehlert. She was the youngest of nine children. Wilma was united in marriage to Robert D. Thompson on September 25, 1959.
Surviving Wilma is a daughter Jeannie Haynes - Fellers with her husband Tom of Rolla, a grandson Shannon Shanks with his fiance' Kimberly Jackson of Arkansas, and a great grandson Dalton Bradley Shanks of Stockton. Also surviving is a step grandson Kristopher Fellers of St. Charles, a dear friend Craig Haynes of Bland, a sister in law Virginia Leone of St. Louis, a mother in law Hazel Hamm of Kansas City, and many nieces and nephews.
Wilma had made her home in Rolla with her daughter for the past three years, where she spent her time watching TV and spending time with her great great nieces Brooklyn, Emma, and Madelyn Sheets. They loved painting her nails and putting on make up. Wilma worked at International factory for over 30 years until they closed. She went to work for a garment factory until it closed, next went to work for (Little) Brown Shoe until it closed, and then decided to retire. Wilma and Robert were also caretakers of Oak Forrest Cemetery for many years. They retired to their cabin on the Gasconade River where they enjoyed fishing and boating for many years. They enjoyed many hours playing cards with Raymond and Mabel Thompson and Nadine White. Watching ball games, going on drives in the country, and feeding the birds were other pass times they enjoyed together.
Wilma is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents Alfred and Carrie Gehlert, a step father James Harris, her sisters Hazel Newman, Ada Hanke, Ruby Vandergriff, Fern Furlong, Esther Baxter, and an infant sister Thelma, brothers Ed and Charles Gehlert, and a grand daughter in law Angela Shanks.
Wilma will be missed by many.