Wilma Ross, 87, Hays, died Saturday, November 20, 2021, at her home.
She was born November 21, 1933, in La Crosse, the daughter of William and Philomena “Minnie” (Kuhn) Schafer. Wilma attended grade school in La Crosse, was a graduate of La Crosse High School, and she graduated from nurses training at St. Anthony School of Nursing in Hays. She played an important role in her family when she took charge of caring for her siblings after their father died at a young age and her mother worked outside the home. As a nurse, her desire was to take care of people in a humble, caring manner and seeing them get well. She worked for 35 years as a nurse manager on the surgical floor at Hays Medical Center as well as at other hospitals. She then worked at the Orthopedic Office for five years. On February 11, 1956, she was united in marriage to Alan Ross at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. They celebrated 55 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on December 22, 2011. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed playing Pinochle, casino trips, buying shoes, traveling with her husband Alan while he was a tour and activity bus driver, exercising at the Rec Center, and watching FHSU and TMP-Marian athletics.
Survivors include her son: Brian Ross and wife Peggy of Liebenthal, a grandson: Mark Ross of Houston, TX, a sister: Donna Schmidtberger and husband Dan of Hill City, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Alan, a son: Mark Ross, two brothers: Jim and Bill Schafer, a sister: Sylvia Rohr, and her sweet lovable puppy: Sammie.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Lupus Foundation of America or for masses. Condolences and memories of Wilma may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com