Wilma Hammer

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Wilma Eva Hammer, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 31, 2025. She was 90 years old.

Wilma was born on August 24, 1934, in Tipton Ford, Missouri, to Jerry W. and Della M. (Burch) Rion. She graduated from Neosho High School with the Class of 1952. On June 11, 1955, she married the love of her life, Cecil A. Hammer. The two shared 51 wonderful years together until his passing in 2006.

A woman of warmth, strength, and devotion, Wilma found joy in the simple beauty of life. Her yard was always immaculate — a reflection of her care and attention to detail. Daily, she could be found outside picking up sticks, tending flower boxes, or filling the birdbath for her cherished "birdies."

Wilma and Cecil were regulars at hootenannies — musical family gatherings they treasured deeply. She also loved camping trips to Table Rock Lake, where family time and the serenity of the outdoors brought her great happiness. She especially loved spending time picnicking with family and friends, cherishing those simple moments of togetherness and nature. Wilma had a special talent for crocheting towels, a craft she shared generously with loved ones. Each morning, she started her day with coffee and a word search puzzle — a small but cherished ritual.

Her cooking was legendary, especially her flaky pie crusts and deviled eggs — a family favorite no one could quite replicate, no matter how closely they followed her recipe.

In her later years, Wilma found community and joy walking at Morris Park, where she regularly met her “Park Friends” for visits and companionship.

Wilma is survived by her son, Mike Hammer of Wellsville, Missouri; her daughter, Debra Mitchell of Jefferson City, Missouri; her grandchildren, Jeneca Lea (Dru) Luckey of Largo, Florida, and Ryan Thomas (Ashton) Mitchell of Jefferson City, Missouri; and her great-grandchildren, Madilynn Rion Mitchell of Buffalo, New York, and Montanna Sue Mitchell of Jefferson City, Missouri, many dear nieces and nephews, and her kind neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; her son-in-law, Thomas Mitchell; eight sisters; and two brothers.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at IOOF Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri.

In honor of Wilma’s love for the outdoors and her fondness for Morris Park, contributions may be made in her memory to help beautify the park. Donations can be sent to: Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.