Wilma Jean Newsom was born in Corbin, Whitley County, Kent., on July 22, 1930. She was born to, parents Edward and Merle Scalf. Wilma was the oldest of six children. Her siblings were Alene Panetta, Georgia Ellis, Edward Scalf, Bill Scalf and David Scalf. She was preceded in death by Bill, Edward and Georgia. In 1949, she married Ralph Wilder and they moved west, ending up in Pinedale, Wyo., in 1954. Wilma was blessed with four children; Gerald, Steve, and the twins, Brenda and Bart. Of her immediate family, Wilma was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda in 1985. Upon Wilma’s passing, she had seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
In 1959, Wilma and Ralph purchased the Pinedale Lockers. Wilma continued running the business and married Joe Newsom in 1964. Together they served Sublette County at the Pinedale Lockers until 1976. Then Wilma worked for the VFW as a hostess and waitress for close to a decade. Joe passed away in 1994.
Being grandma, gardening, playing cards, crochet and quilting were some of Wilma’s favorite hobbies. She was one of the luckiest gamblers ever. Wilma enjoyed living in the small town of Pinedale where her friends and family were nearby. Daily she was seen walking on Main Street going to the post office and the grocery store. Wilma held the community of Pinedale near to her heart.
In 2007, Wilma moved to Casper, Wyo., to live with her son Bart. She enjoyed being part of the multi-generational family. Holding the newest great-grandbabies always brought her joy.
A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pinedale Cemetery. A reception luncheon will follow the service at the Pinedale V.F.W.
