Wilma Ellen Ast

Birth: November 14, 1919 | Died: April 5, 2024

Wilma aka Mom, Gma, G$, Great Grandma and Great - Great Gma was born on a farm near Ottawa, Kansas. She had 4 sisters and 1 brother Fern, Maxine, Helen, Jean, and John. Her parents are Dolly Gilliand and John Quincy Walsh.

Mom and her sisters and brother attended a one room schoolhouse named “Rocky Run Rural school” 1st to 8th grade then attended Waverly High school. Mom told stories of her and Aunt Helen sending money back to their mom to help pay for the farm. Rent was $60 a year.

The family moved to the Williamsburg Homewood area in her Senior year of High School. She graduated High School in 1937 then attended Emporia State College for 1 year and received her 3 yr. teaching certificate. She then taught 1st thru 8th grade at a rural one room schoolhouse.

Wilma met Raymond Ast at a Waverly Dance in August, dated for 2 and a half years and married May 1st, 1940. In 1941 they moved to California, finally settling in Hawthorne and built a house where they raised their 3 boys and 2 girls: Ken, Darrell, Dennis, Kathy and Lori. Darrell was born with Down’s Syndrome. When he was 8 years old mom searched for a school for him to attend. A special class was found in Lennox, Callf. Where he attended from 1951 to 1961. In 1961 mom and dad moved to Anaheim. Wilma and Ray pioneered a workshop for Darrell along with other special needs students. Over the yrs. Wilma and Ray expanded the workshop to another location in Orange County. Wilma served on the Board for Orange County Association for Retarded Children well into her 80s.

Along with her duties associated with OCARC she developed skills as a Tax Preparer and worked at Anaheim Savings. In addition, she prepared taxes for several clients out of her home. She was active with Ebell Club which raised funds for various charities and enjoyed each other’s company while playing card games and other activities. Mom always looked forward to having company at her home where “10 Pt. Pitch” would generally break out. She loved to win and took her card game seriously. Wilma is survived by her children; Ken, Dennis, Kathy and Lori; 13 grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandson.