Wilma Evelyn McEachern passed away Monday, November 19, 2018 at Golden Options Assisted Living in Montana City, where she was surrounded by her loving family. Wilma was born June 27, 1935 in Laona, Wisconsin to George and Lula Barnes. Wilma attended school in Goldendale, Washington and later, at Jefferson High School, Boulder Montana.
Wilma married John (Jack) McEachern on December 28, 1951. Together they had four children: John, Bob, Connie, and Debbie. The family made their home in Clancy.
As well as keeping house and raising four kids, Wilma worked at various jobs over the years, including at the Clancy School, Ben Franklins, and the Alhambra Nursing Home.
Wilma enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with her family. She liked to play horseshoes and paint ceramics. She also enjoyed occasionally putting a $5 bill into the keno machines. Wilma loved having barbeques on her patio and spending time with her family. Her home was the family gathering place. Many happy hours were spent around her dining room table playing cards or dice with the family.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lula Barnes, husband John (Jack) McEachern, brothers Lyle and Arlie Barnes, brothers-in-law Bob McEachern and Don Mehring, and granddaughter Shandi Griffin.
She is survived by her two sisters, Berna Clements and Verna Pryor, a brother. Dewey (Joanne) Barnes, sister-in-law Pat Mehring, son John McEachern, children Sean (Tess), Bob (Steph), Dan (Krista), and Jake; son Bob McEachern, children Kurt (Tiana), and Karmen; daughter Connie Griffin, children Sirena (Jason), Kodie, Jerika (Nick), and ShiAnn; daughter Debbie Mahlum (Tim), children Ashlee (Nate), and Kellen (Kim); as well as 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Golden Options Assisted Living for all the wonderful care they gave Wilma. She loved her home there with them.
A memorial service celebrating Wilma’s life will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Interment will be approximately 2:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday November 26, 2018
ASW Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Interment
Following the reception
Monday November 26, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday November 26, 2018
ASW Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Interment
Following the reception
Monday November 26, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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Emily E. says
I extend my condolence to the family. May you find comfort in knowing that Miss Vilma is in the Loving Memory of God. His Caring and Beautiful words at Acts 24:15 shows that He will not forget her when it is time for her to awaken from her deep sleep called death. . John 11 :25 and our hope is in Revelation 21:4.
John Greene says
Just a note to let all the McEacherns know, how sorry Pat and I were to hear of Wilma’s death. It has been a long journey for her the last few years. We both have fond memories of many happy visits with her and all of you in Clancy. Since we were kids, we always enjoyed your hospitality and friendship. We know you took great care of your Mom , and I am sure she appreciated it. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Pat Greene
Tom Reilly says
McEachern Family,
Your Mom/Grandmother/etc. was one of those very important people that made growing up in Clancy so memorable, safe, special, and all the rest. She always had a great smile and kind word…always. I can’t remember her any other way,- at the Clancy Store, in the post office, and when she worked at the school in the lunchroom.
She was a wonderful person and I know that’s been passed to all of you as well. Take care.
Tom
Steve Elwood says
Memories of my Aunt Wima go back to the early 50s. What I will remember most is her smile and laughter. Those are the memories I’ll hold most revered for years to come. Goodbye my Aunt. I will miss you.
Lisa G. says
I’m so sorry to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was a great neighbor and always welcomed me when I visited her kids. She was very much a part of the Clancy scene so will miss seeing her around. Condolences to the family.
Rhetta Street says
My heart is broke, Wilma will be miss so much by me, in some ways she was like a second mom to me. Wilma always welcomed me with a smile and kind words. Fly high Wilma I will miss you and I love you.
Rhetta S
Peg Holwick says
Dear John and Family, My thoughts are with you during this sad time. What a wonderful family you have. My deepest condolences to you all. I am so very sorry. Sincerely, Peg Holwick
Terry says
McEachern Family, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My condolences to all of you. She also was a huge part of my growing up life. Clancy won’t be the same without her.