Wilma Louise Bigler, age 97 of Lenexa, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living of Lenexa.

The youngest of four children, she was born on September 27, 1928, in Clay County, Kansas, to Howard C. and Lottie Ivo (Thornton) Geer.  She was born on the farmland homesteaded by Great-Great Grandfather, Amaziah Thornton, which is still in the family and being farmed today. She graduated from Clay Center Community High School.

After his tour of duty in Belgium & Germany, she married Raymond D. Bigler of Clay Center.  He preceded her in death in 1993.

Wilma was dedicated to her family and an avid school & church volunteer.  She was a Girl Scout leader for ten years.  During the 1960’s she taught ceramics classes at the Fort Riley’s officers club, which led to having a ceramic shop in her home for many years.  UMW involvement was very important to her, contributing to many funeral dinners, Bazaars and rummage sales.  She was very active in nimble fingers (quilting, crafting and sewing projects to sell at the Bazaars) for many years and was chairperson of the memorial committee.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane Bigler of Lenexa; one niece; three nephews; as well as several great nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Grant;  one brother, Herbert Geer; two sisters, Florence Logan, and Martha; a nephew, Doug Logan, and a great nephew, Bill Logan.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 12, 2026, at Junction City First United Methodist Church with Pastor Will Ravenstein officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Monday at the church.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church for women & children’s programming; and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, PO Box 176, Riley, KS 66531.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.