Wilma Jean Nester, age 91, of Blue Rapids, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in Blue Rapids.
Wilma was born in Waterville, on July 11, 1933, to William C. and Grace E. (Long) Griffis. Her family moved to their farm near Irving when she was a child. While in grade school she met her future husband “across the fence” on adjoining land their parents farmed. Wilma and Dayton Nester were married on June 22, 1952, in Bigelow, they were married for over seventy-three years.
Wilma graduated from Irving High School in 1951. Her career taught her secretarial and bookkeeping skills she used at Sigler Insurance Agency in Blue Rapids and Mason Tax and Accounting in Marysville. Wilma was a member of the Blue Rapids United Methodist Church. She loved her family and enjoyed their company immensely. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens
Survivors include her husband Dayton, her two sons, Dale (Kay) Nester of Marysville and Larry (Teri) Nester of Westmoreland, six grandchildren: Derek Nester, Michael (Arika) Nester, Jeremy (Cari) Nester, Jeff (Dani) Nester, Jon (Becky) Nester and Stephanie (Joe) Nester-Baker, and nine great grandchildren: William, Lara, Shaelyn, Emaree, Laynee, Avery, Tyler, Brody, and Aidan.
Preceding Wilma in death were her parents, and two brothers, Clifford Griffis and Gary Griffis.
Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, Monday, June 16, 2025, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.
Funeral services are at 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Blue Rapids United Methodist Church with Pastor Derek Slack officiating. Althea Wertz is the organist. A pre-recorded selection of “Wind Beneath My Wings” will be played. Casket Bearers are Derek Nester, Michael Nester, William Baker, Jeremy Nester, Jeff Nester and Jon Nester. Honorary Bearers are Stephanie Nester-Baker, Lara Baker, Shaelyn Holle, Emaree Nester, Laynee Nester, Avery Nester, Tyler Ungerer, Brody Nester and Aidan Baker. Burial is at Antioch Cemetery, southeast of Blue Rapids.
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.
Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, Waterville, in charge of arrangements.
