Wilma Elizabeth Siebuhr

Wilma Elizabeth Siebuhr was born December 30, 1937 in Emporia, Kansas to William Rich and Mindie (Wentworth) Rich. The family lived on a farm south of Hartford, Kansas before moving to the west edge of Hartford. Wilma graduated from Hartford High School in 1955.

On July 2, 1955, she married the love of her life, Eldon Siebuhr, at the Christian Church in Hartford. Their 67 years of marriage was a testament to their love and a great example for their three children, Doug, Donna, and Lori.

Wilma began as a homemaker after she and Eldon were married. Once the kids were in school, she worked at the Hartford Elevator, Bill’s Hardware and Hartford School before starting work at Hartford State Bank. Wilma worked at the bank for more than 30 years. After leaving the bank she worked at Wolf Creek during construction for a short time and she and Eldon made a move to Emporia. After moving to Emporia, she worked at the Lyon County Motor Vehicle Department until her retirement. She was a dedicated employee and was often praised for her customer service. If you needed to renew your car tags, Wilma was the one many sought out to get the job done.

As hard as she worked outside the home, she worked just as hard at home. Her home was always ready for family and friends to stop in which happened often. Everyone was always welcome. She was kind and caring and took interest in others.

Of all her roles, her greatest pleasure came from being Grandma and Granny. She was so happy watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. She and Eldon went to countless ballgames and school activities. Wilma and Eldon liked to travel. There were many vacation trips and trips to visit family over the years. After retirement, they spent several years wintering in South Texas but once the great-grandchildren started arriving, Wilma said they’d have to stay in Kansas!

Wilma Siebuhr, 85, died June 30, 2023 at her home in Emporia. She is survived by her children, Doug (Veda) Siebuhr of Burlingame; Donna (Ken) Hanson of Emporia and Lori (Johnny) Fields of Hartford; 6 grandchildren, Ryan Fields, Kansas City, MO; Laura (Tommy) Messersmith, Overland Park; Rebecca (Jeff) Kelley, Hartford; Carly Siebuhr, Emporia; Erica (Jeff) Grimmett, Lebo; Austin (Erin) Siebuhr, Louisburg, and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; sisters, Mary Garrett, Lois Rich and Lucille Combes; and grandson-in-law, Mike Thomas.

A Celebration of Life/Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9 at the VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Cremation is planned with a private graveside service to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hartford Community Building or Hand in Hand Hospice and sent in care of the funeral home.