Wilma Wayne
Wilma Wilson Wayne, 92 passed away on September 14, 2024, with family by her side. Wilma was born in Wellington, KS on October 28, 1931, to the late Richard E. Wilson and Alice Roseman Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dale Wilson; her sister Verdel W. Krug; and her husband Richard L. Wayne.
Wilma graduated from Wellington High School in 1949 as class salutatorian. She then attended Kansas State University where she graduated with high honors in Journalism in 1953. Six years later, after becoming a wife and mother of two children, her book The Story of American Transportation was published. Wilma continued her passion for writing throughout her life authoring numerous short stories, attending university courses and participating in writing groups. Her other lifetime passions included reading (she devoured books and could always be seen with one in her hand), playing bridge with friends, watching movies and college (especially UVA) basketball!
Wilma turned another of her passions and talents into a career – interior design. She particularly loved architectural design. She designed and built numerous homes from the ground up, as well as helped family members and clients with remodels. She was an expert problem solver and always seemed to come up with the perfect solutions. Her talent and skills brought beauty to homes across the country.
Wilma possessed so many talents and gifts that she willingly shared with others, but what mattered most to her was being a loving and devoted mother and wife. She always said her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren were the joy of her life. She was fiercely proud of all of them!
Wilma will be greatly missed by those surviving her: her son, Kelly S. Cain (Janice); her daughter, Ravelle C. Whitener (Rob); her grandchildren, Tyler B. Cain (Elizabeth), Robert L. Whitener (Serena), C. Adam Whitener (Carly) and Caroline C. Rafferty (Palmer); her great grandchildren, Elizabeth Whitener, Mimi Rafferty, Buckey Cain, Paige Whitener and Whit Rafferty.
A graveside service for family will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 12:30 pm at Oakwood Cemetery. Following will be a celebration of life service at 1:30 at the Chapel at King’s Grant, 350 Kings Way Road, Martinsville, VA. In lieu of a visitation, a reception will follow the service.
