Wilma Jean Hilburn, age 67, of Preston, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
She was born on January 4, 1958, in Sedalia, Missouri, the daughter of Everett and Charlene (Matthewson) Hesse. Wilma graduated from Lincoln High School in 1976. Shortly after graduation, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Hilburn, and they were married on June 16, 1977. Together, they were blessed with five children and built a loving, joyful home.
Wilma and Kenneth opened Preston Carpet, where she handled sales while he installed flooring. Their partnership in both business and life was a true testament to their love and commitment.
Wilma was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of the Lutheran Church in Bolivar, Missouri. She had a heart full of creativity and joy she loved sewing, homemaking, and writing poetry. But more than anything, she cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister.
Wilma is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Kenneth Hilburn of the home; her five children: Jason Hilburn and his wife Melissa Richardson of Richmond, Missouri; Jeanisha Thorpe and her husband James of Branson, Missouri; Joshua Hilburn of Forsyth, Missouri; Jeremy Hilburn and his wife Kelsey of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Julia Hilburn of Bolivar, Missouri. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters, and many other relatives and dear friends.
Funeral services for Wilma will be held on Monday, October 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, Missouri, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Climax Springs Cemetery in Climax Springs, Missouri.
