Wilda Mary Simpson died at the Marion Community Health Center June 30, 2010 at age 94.
She was born Wilda Mary Walker to Reverend Sheridan Tenney and Iva Mae (Horn) Walker in Huntsville, Ohio on July 20, 1915. Her only siblings, two brothers, died tragically before reaching adulthood.
Wilda graduated from Perrysburg, Ohio High School in 1933 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1937 where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
From 1937 through 1942 she taught in the Marion, Ohio public high schools where she met Ralph Homer Simpson. They married and moved to Chicago, Illinois where Ralph was stationed in the Navy. After World War II ended they returned to Marion where they made their home almost 50 years.
She helped Ralph start Simpson Insurance Agency while rearing two sons, Larry (Marianne) Walker Simpson, a child psychiatrist living in Westerville, Ohio and Steven (Marilyn) Ray Simpson from Marion who continues to manage the insurance agency.
Wilda was an active member of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion, serving on administrative committees, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school.
In 1987 Wilda and Ralph moved to Wesley Glen Retirement Center in Columbus, Ohio where she became actively involved in the Residential Council. She and Ralph also became Associate Members of Worthington United Methodist Church.
After Ralph died in 1993, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Wilda continued to stay involved in Wesley Glen and family activities as much as her health permitted. Her family had recently returned her to Marion.
In addition to her two sons, Wilda is survived by two granddaughters, Laura (Christopher) Franckhauser and Abby (Arthur) Kumpf, a great-grandson, Wyatt Kumpf and a great-granddaughter, Vivian Kumpf.
Wilda was a devoted teacher and, above all, devoted to her family as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be missed greatly.
Her services will be observed privately by her family, and graveside services will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, c/o Music Fund, 249 E. Center St., Marion, Ohio 43302.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Wilda’s family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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