Wilma Jean Forpahl was born on December 28, 1931 in Knowles, Oklahoma, the second daughter of Robert Cecil and Grace Mae (Collins) Benn.  One of five children, Wilma grew up on the family farm near Knowles.  She attended Knowles School and graduated high school with the class of 1949.

Her sister, Zatha, had married Roger Forpahl.  Roger and Zatha brought Roger's brother, Raymond to visit the family in Knowles.  Wilma and Ray fell in love and were later united in marriage on June 9, 1949 in Beaver, Oklahoma.  The couple moved to Harper, Kansas and made their life-long home there.  They were blessed with three children: Penny Sue, Sandra Kay, and Roberta "Bobbi" Faye.  The family spent numerous summers going to lakes to enjoy boating and skiing.

Shortly after moving to Harper, Wilma went to work for Mac's Café.  She later worked in local grocery stores for about 30 years, both as a clerk and the bookkeeper.  One of Wilma's talents was cooking, teaching Emily how to make pies and DJ how to make noodles.  Through the years, Wilma hosted a lot of holiday dinners for her large family.  Wilma was a dedicated member of the Harper Presbyterian Church.

The Forpahl home wasn't just for those born into the family.  They hosted many kids that were either working for Ray or just needed a place to stay while getting on their feet.  And it wasn't out of the ordinary for the kids to come home from a night out to find some of their friends sitting around the table with Wilma.

Declining in health, Wilma became a resident of the Attica Long Term Care in Attica, Kansas.  This is where she passed away on March 26, 2024 at the age of 92.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Grace Benn; husband, Ray on June 25, 2008; daughter, Bobbi on June 17, 2003; siblings: Edward Benn, Jack Benn, and Zatha Forpahl; son-in-law, Lynn German; and grandchildren, Leanne Parker and Matthew Salsberry.

Wilma is survived by her daughters, Penny German of Coldwater, Kansas and Sandra Forpahl of Harper; grandchildren: Scot Salsberry (Limin), Chad Salsberry (Regina), Sean Salsberry (Randi), Stephanie Turowski (Kevin), Jerry Parker (Brandy), Julie Mungle (David), DeJuana "DJ" Zimmer (Derek), Jerod Bebermeyer (Lisa), Brady Hunter (Emily), Tracee Bartley (Nate), Cody German (Candy), and Amie Henbest (Jeremy); brother, Bob Benn; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service is 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Harper with Pastor Ed Hughlett officiating.  Interment follows at the Duquoin, Kansas Cemetery.  Funeral Service will be recorded and can be viewed on this page after the service.

Memorials may be made to the Harper Presbyterian Church or Country Care Hospice and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058