Wilma Louise (Miller) Steckly was born May 17, 1938, at home in rural Milford to Orval and Millie (Stutzman) Miller and stepped into the arms of Jesus on Feb. 3, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 18 days.
Wilma attended grades 1-8 at Country School District 23 in Milford and attended Milford High School for one year. Wilma was united in marriage to Maynard Steckly on Aug. 3, 1956, at the East Fairview Mennonite Church in Milford. It was one of the hottest days causing the candles to melt in the church and the crepe paper décor to fall off the ceiling at the reception. To this union, four children were born: Frank, Brent, Melody and Sally.
After their marriage, the couple moved to Colorado Springs for two years, before returning to Seward to farm. In 1969, they made the move back to Colorado Springs. Once the children were raised, Wilma was employed at a bank in bookkeeping. She also worked for three orthopedic surgeons in the records department. Wilma babysat numerous infants as well. Upon their return from Colorado in the early 1990s, they moved back to the farm and enjoyed farming together. After Wilma suffered a stroke, they moved into Seward.
Wilma enjoyed sewing and helping Maynard on the farm. She loved her home and spending time with her family and friends. Wilma was a faithful member of the churches she attended.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Millie Miller; parents-in-law, Floyd and Agnes Steckly; sister, Evelyn Yeackley; brother, Keith Miller; sister-in-law, Darlene Miller; brothers-in-law, Ray Yeackley, Leonard Grieser, Vilas Steckly, and Ken Steckly; and granddaughter, Kimberly (Steckly) Klintworth.
Survivors cherishing her memory include her husband, Maynard Steckly, Seward; children and spouses, Frank and Joy Steckly, Beaver Crossing, Brent and Marita Jo Steckly, Beaver Crossing, Melody and Ray Kidd, Lincoln, and Sally and Merwin Bender, Moundridge, Kansas; grandchildren, Richard (Shanna) Steckly, Jeremy (Shannon) Steckly, Andrew (Jessica) Steckly, TJ Steckly, Ashley (Matt) Kidd-Wise, Eric Kidd, Juan Bender and Isaac Bender; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Earlis Miller; sisters, Betty Grieser, and Janice (Lonnie) Roth; sisters-in-law, Delores Miller, Zona Steckly and Darlene Steckly; numerous nieces, nephews and host of friends.
Visitation is Monday, Feb. 10, at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward, with family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Steckly family for future designations.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
