Larned – Wilma Rose Fraser, 103, died November 28, 2016, at Diversicare of Larned, Larned, Kansas.

Born on March 9, 1913, in Larned, Kansas, Wilma was the daughter of Orlando Hiram (O.H) and Lucy Stella (Stella) Wheeler Fell.

A life-long Christian, Wilma was a member of First Christian Church of Larned, KS, and was extremely active in her faith. She was a Faith Group Leader, Deacon, first woman Elder, Elder Emeritus, Sunday School teacher, member of the choir, and spent time serving as both President and Study Chairwoman for the Christian Women’s Fellowship.

Education was of the utmost importance to Wilma. She attended Cottey College, Emporia State Teacher’s College, and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Science from Fort Hays Kansas State College.  She taught school from 1933-1987, with emphasis in Special Reading.

Wilma loved her family and faith fervently. Reading, writing, music, and education were some of her dearest passions. A world traveler, she could often be found with a camera around her neck. Wilma was a life-long poet and penned her first poem at the tender age of nine. In 2008 she self-published her book of poems, Homespun.

She thrived on being involved in her community and church. Wilma was a member of local literature and art clubs, Larned Chapter of the AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma – Iota Chapter, Larned Music Club, National Society of Daughters of America Revolution – Fort Larned Chapter, Tertulia, Kansas State Teachers Association, International Reading Association, Community Concert Association, 20th Century Club, Fort Larned Historical Society, Fort Hays State Alumni, and PEO.

Wilma married Edward Francis Fraser on June 2, 1940, in Larned, Kansas. He passed away on August 9, 1982.

Wilma is survived by: her sisters, Clara Irene Blackwell and Rella Nadine Miller; her two daughters, Judith Flamer, of Reno, Nevada, and Janet Spomer, of Hermiston, Oregon; her three granddaughters, Jennifer Tynan, Lauren Holdway, and Abigail Spomer-Stephens; and her four great-grandchildren, Conner, Brady, Lily, and Teagan.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, O.H. and Stella Fell; her brothers, Clifford (Cliff) Fell, Cleo (Ted) Fell; and her sisters Fern Drain, Rita Roach, and Thelma Lorraine Fell.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, December 5th and 6th at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m. January 3rd at the First Christian Church, Larned with Rev. Jack Singer presiding. Private burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the Santa Fe Trail Center or Cottey College, both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwtihmortuary.com.