Wilma Jean McQuade

Wilma Jean McQuade died Friday, July 1st, 2022 at her home in Joplin, where she had resided the past year with her daughter Donna. Wilma, Born February 23, 1935, in Pittsburg, Kansas to Floy Bradley Nelson and W.S. Nelson. Sisters: Eula Daughtery-Wiltgen, &; Phyllis Norine (Nelson) Russell, all deceased. She Married William Owen McQuade, 1962-2020, deceased. She lived most of her life in the Pittsburg, KS area plus the past 9 years at Carl Junction Assisted Living, Carl Junction, MO. Children: William Clinton McQuade, preceded in death Aug 2007, Bonnie Sue Titus (spouse Tom Titus), Dianna “Dee” Timi (spouse Jeff Timi), and Donna Jean Jackson (fiancé Randy Ferson). Grandchildren: 9, great-grandchildren 28, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. And her beloved dog Louis. Wilma graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1952. She would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science teaching degree at Kansas State College of Pittsburg and her Masters in Special Education, Pittsburg State University. She would devout her working years to non-profit work for adults with special needs, due in large part to raising her own son who had these special needs. A pioneer in the field she started the first workshops and group home in Pittsburg, KS for the developmentally disabled. A member of First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, KS where she was a past President of the United Methodist Women’s group and hosted annual Mothers Day tea parties. She also volunteered as a pink lady for Mt. Carmel now Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for many years. For the past several decades until failing health Wilma enjoyed RV camping throughout the US and traveling worldwide with her husband Bill. She truly loved the art of quilting and making many quilts for her family. The Family would like to thank Avalon Hospice for all of their assistance in helping care for Wilma and for her getting to pass peacefully at home as she wished. Graveside services will be 2pm Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Highland Park Cemetery with Rev. Mark Chambers Officiating. There will be a celebration of life following the service at 5275 Foxfire Dr., Loma Linda, MO 64804. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Scholarship she created in memory of her son William Clinton McQuade at Pittsburg State University, would honor her legacy.

Wilma Jean McQuade

February 23, 1935 - July 1, 2022