LARNED — Wilma Ashton passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family at the Hodgeman County Health Center in Jetmore, Kan., on Thursday, July 24, 2025 after complications from a recent fall. Wilma was well known throughout the Larned community as a loving home health care provider for seniors, children and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Wilma provided all levels of personal care, companionship and emotional support. She was greatly appreciated and loved by many families who often considered her a member of the family.
Wilma Ashton was born in Moran, Kan. on Sept. 12, 1933 to August and Grace (Coker) Brown. Wilma was the last of nine children that included Alma, Lois, Robert, Lola, Pearl, Henry, Alice and Donald. Wilma graduated from Hanston high school where she excelled in playing basketball. After graduation, Wilma extended her love of sports by coaching a girls’ softball team in Larned.
Wilma was married to Ted Charles Ashton and lived in Wichita, Kan. and San Diego, Calif. as Ted was working as an airplane mechanic for Boeing. The marriage ended in divorce and Wilma raised Charlotte, Carlene, Gwen, Robert and Gaynell as a single parent in Larned, Kan.
Wilma was a licensed nurses aid for the Larned State Hospital and worked in many different roles and capacities for 34 years. During her time at the State Hospital, Wilma worked some evenings and weekends in various roles to support the family. She was well known to those around her as a hardworking, dedicated and very caring and giving person.
The family were long time members of the congregation of the First Christian Church in Larned.
Wilma enjoyed a long retirement in her home on 5th Steet in Larned with regular card games with former coworkers. Wilma thrived on being with family, having family reunions, and “visiting” with family and friends. She never forgot a child’s, grandchild or great grandchild’s birthday and those dates were forever etched in her memory. She particularly loved having the entire family home for Christmas with a visit from Santa Claus (played by many uncles and friends!) with the floor covered with gifts for the children.
Wilma was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Charlotte Wilson, and son-in-laws, Anthony Wilson and Lloyd Rose. Wilma is survived by daughter Carlene (Mike Jackson), grandchildren Jack, Mitch, Alyse, Brad and Allison; daughter Gwen (Brown), grandchildren Jeremy, John Robert, Jordan; son Robert (Leslie), grandchild Olivia; daughter Gaynell (Rose), grandchildren Lindsay, Heather (Dan Thompson) and Stacy.
Her daughter Gaynell has since passed and her obituary can be found at https://www.beckwithmortuary.com/obituary/gaynell-rose.
Wilma loved her great grandchildren, Larry (Jack); Sarah and Zoe (Mitch); Rocco and Luca (Alyse); Leighton (Brad); Madeline and Nolan (Allison); Olevia, Aubrey and Mikaela (John Robert); Wyatt, Will and Anabeth (Heather); Morgan (Stacy).
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at First Christian Church, Larned, with Sam Porter presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 5-7 p.m. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Pawnee County EMS, Pawnee County Humane Society, or Hodgeman County 4-H in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
PO Box 477
Larned, Kansas 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 2, 2025
