Wilma Marguerite Rimbey Groen

Posted

(June 6, 1908 - Dec. 25, 2012)

Wilma Marguerite Groen, 104, died peacefully at Rocky Mountain Manor on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Wilma was born June 6, 1908 in Deerfield, Mo., the daughter of Oscar Monroe and Anna May (Lewis) Rimbey.

Her mother died when Wilma was only 8 years old and she and her older sister Thelma became the mothers of the family. In February 1919, her family moved to Powell where her father had relatives.

She attended Powell schools and later worked on farms and ranches in Cody and Powell. While she was working for the Churchill family, she met a happy, hard working Dutchman, Richard (Dick) Groen, who was also working for the Churchills. Dick and his parents came to the United States when he was 3 years old. The couple was married on Feb. 20, 1932 and farmed on the Powell flat for 42 years.

After her husband’s death in 1974, Wilma continued to live independently on the farm until she moved to Rocky Mountain Manor in 2008 when she turned 100. She not only helped on the farm but had time to raise beautiful flowers and a large garden. In later years, she enjoyed fishing.

Wilma was always ready to tell stories about her childhood and Powell history to her children, relatives and friends. Those accounts were accurate in every detail thanks to her remarkable memory.

Despite a good share of heartaches, Wilma maintained a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. She always had a smile and something positive to say. Her friends were very important to her. Family and friends enjoyed celebrating her birthdays with a party every year after she reached 100 and always came away smiling at the upbeat, humorous outlook Wilma maintained on adding another year to her long, productive life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Robert Allen; grandson Douglas Richard; sisters Thelma Churchill, Dorothy Farmer, Doris Shaulis, Delores Rimbey; brother Merle (Jake) Rimbey; and daughter-in-law Carol Ann Groen.

She is survived by son William Richard (Karen) Groen; daughters Barbara Ann (Charles) Murray and Carol Lee Groen; grandchildren Cheryl (Matt) Elliott, Julie (Darrin) Thomas, Ryan (Cristie) Murray, Seth (Katy) Murray, Ty (Jesse) Murray and Beau (Molly) Murray; and great-grandchildren Clay and Wade Elliott, Kieran, Asher, Alaina, Arleigh, Laurie and Eion Murray; several nieces and nephews, and special caregivers, niece Bette Sand and Lawrence Sand.

Memorial donations can be made to the Northwest College wrestling team in care of Northwest College Foundation in appreciation for their volunteer help at the manor or the charity of choice.

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.

Comments