Wilma Hollewell

Wilma (Deets) Hollewell Sept. 4, 1923 – Oct. 12, 2015 Milledgeville- Wilma (Deets) Hollewell, died Monday October 12, 2015, at her home. Wilma was the youngest child born to Russell and Iva (Miatke) Deets. Brother Gail (Betty) and sister LaVon (Franklin) Smith preceded her in death. Wilma was seasoned to her 92 years of farm life in Milledgeville at the early age of 9 with her one gallon Karo syrup pail and her stool as she sat and began her milking chores. Thus began a work ethic that dominated her entire life. Growing up on the family farm south of Milledgeville, her primary education began after a mile walk to Wood School. Finalizing her 8 years was the test given at the county seat in Mt. Carroll. High School was sweetened when classmate, Harlan Hollewell, took a special interest which deepened through their 4 years of courtship while she served as a Farmers State Bank teller. This formed a loving relationship of marriage which culminated after 70 years on September 26, 2015—just 16 days before the Lord took her home. Although severely challenged by blindness in the last months of life, Wilma’s family and host of friends locally and from their winter home in Florida remember her sweet spirit always expressed so thankfully toward those caring for her. When time permitted away from the farm and their family business, Hollewell Enterprises, she and Harlan traveled extensively. For 42 years Wilma devoted time weekly to Community General Hospital Auxiliary serving on the service board and chairing the reception desk workers. She was a woman with a strong faith which sustained her and her family during difficult times and will be remembered as a 4th grade Sunday School teacher at the First Brethren Church of Milledgeville. Wilma leaves a grieving husband and 2 children: Steven (Anita) of Lanark and Joan (Dr. Frank) Forman of Wheaton, 3 grandchildren: Sarah (Glenn) Black of Ashland, Ohio, Franz (Emily) Forman of Peoria, Arizona, and Aaron Hollewell of Fairburn, Georgia, and 3 great-grandchildren: Maddie, Katie, and Jackson Forman of Peoria, Arizona. Wilma will always remain an example of devotion to her Lord and her family responsibilities. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM Saturday, October 17, at the First Brethren Church in Milledgeville with a visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 on Friday evening at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association P.O. Box 1270, Charlotte, NC 28201-1270 or CGH Auxiliary Foundation, 100 E. LeFevre Rd., Sterling, IL. 61081.