Wilma Iona Fleenor, age 101, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, having lived a long and beautiful life filled with faith, family, friendship, and love.
Wilma was born on December 31, 1924, and was a lifelong resident of Washington, Indiana. She was the oldest of three children, growing up alongside her two younger brothers, Conrad and Ray. She graduated from Washington High School, and on August 14, 1946, married the love of her life, Ralph Fleenor. Together, Wilma and Ralph shared 35 years of marriage and raised two daughters, JoAnna and Barbara, building a home and a family rooted in love and faith. Ralph preceded her in death in 1982.
As a homemaker and farmer’s wife, Wilma poured herself into her family, her church, and her community. She was an active member of Otterbein Methodist Church and the Homemakers Club, always ready to lend a hand and serve others. She and Ralph enjoyed the simple pleasures of life together—especially playing Euchre and Rook, and participating in their weekly bowling league. Wilma was known for her competitive spirit and, most famously, her mean left curveball on the bowling lanes.
After Ralph’s sudden passing, Wilma remained a widow for 44 years, faithfully holding onto the hope of one day being reunited with her beloved husband. During those years, she continued to live life fully and on her own terms. She traveled across the country with her “lady friends,” enjoyed countless games with her Euchre club, and remained deeply involved in church activities and volunteer work. She volunteered at the town museum and regularly gave her time to help students during back-to-school activities.
Wilma was an avid reader and an extraordinary walker. Even into her 80s, she could still walk for an hour a day. Family members will fondly remember trying to keep up with her on shopping trips, only to discover that Wilma had already lapped everyone in the mall. She had a remarkable energy and determination that stayed with her throughout her life.
But of all the things that brought Wilma joy, nothing compared to her family. Her three grandchildren became some of the greatest treasures of her life, and she proudly attended their many activities, always cheering them on and serving as one of their biggest supporters. In her later years, her great-grandchildren became the apples of her eye. Holding her great-grandbabies could light up her entire face, and the love she had for them was unmistakable.
Wilma loved her Savior fiercely and carried her faith with her throughout her 101 years. She also loved good old country music, going out to eat and socializing, and time spent with the people she loved. She was a wonderful cook, and her in the kitchen was often the heart of family gatherings. Her meals had a way of bringing everyone together, and there will never be a noodle maker quite like Wilma. The legendary “Fleenor noodles” will live on as one of the many delicious reminders of the love she put into everything, she did.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Conrad Boyd, and her brothers, Conrad Jr. and Ray Boyd.
She leaves behind her two daughters, JoAnna Thomas and Barbara Wininger (Gerald); three grandchildren, Bradly Green (Lisa), Lindsay Starlin (Mark), and David Wininger (Bethany); and three great-grandchildren, Landon, Hudson, and Rylan Starlin.
Wilma’s life spanned more than a century, and throughout those 101 years she left an enduring mark on her family, her church, and her community. She was a woman of deep faith, strong character, generous service, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by the family she devoted her life to.
And after 44 years of waiting, Wilma is finally home with her Savior and reunited with the love of her life.
Friends may visit with Wilma’s family from 11:00 am until the hour of service time of 1:00 pm on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 2020 State Street, Washington, IN 47501. Pastor Tony Franklin will officiate, and Wilma will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery.
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