Wilma E. (Burcham) Wood

Our beloved mother, Wilma Burcham Wood, went to be with our Lord on February 13. She was an inspiration to all who met her. Her unwavering strength, compassion, and dedication to her family and community leave behind a wonderful legacy. Wilma was born on November 27, 1926, in Bloomfield, Indiana, to Claude and Inez Burcham. She had an older brother, Harry, and grew up during difficult times. After graduating from Bloomfield High School at the age of 17, she left home and moved to the big city of Bloomington, Indiana, in search of new opportunities. During World War II, Wilma worked at RCA in what was known as the “Secret Room,” where the women had no idea what they were assembling. The job came with a benefit: the room was air-conditioned, a rare comfort during that era. It was in Bloomington that Wilma met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Wood, who arrived at her rooming house on his Indian motorcycle. It was love at first sight, and they were married three months later. Their meeting led to an almost 60-year marriage. Bob, a member of the 106th Infantry Division, survived being a POW having been captured during the Battle of the Bulge. Together, Wilma and Bob attended reunions for the 106th Infantry Division Association. After Bob’s passing in June of 2006, Wilma proudly became an Associate Member, attending yearly reunions, until 2019. Wilma was honored with the highest award given to a civilian, the Golden Lion, for her support and contributions. Wilma and Bob were active in many community groups, supporting United Methodist Church, the 106th Infantry Division Association, schools in Liberia, and initiatives for education and healthcare in numerous communities. They were known for quietly supporting causes close to their hearts, always giving without seeking recognition. Wilma and Bob’s example of generosity is one we should all strive to follow. For her children, Wilma was a guiding light. She taught us how to navigate life with grace and strength. In 1963, determined to join the workforce, Wilma took typing classes alongside her sister-in-law, Dorcas Wood Barrow. Many years later, the two of them took computer classes together. Wilma worked as a Medical Secretary in the X-ray department at Bloomington Hospital for 23 years. Travel and adventure were passions Wilma and Bob shared. They traveled extensively across the United States, visiting every state (except Hawaii) and driving hours out of their way just to cross the border of a new one. Their daughter Beth's husband, Ron, was a career Air Force Officer. Bob and Wilma visited them nearly every place they were stationed, including Greece and Germany. While in Germany, they were able to retrace Bob's footsteps during the Battle of the Bulge, which held great significance for them all. Mom always felt she should live to be as old as her mom, who died at the age of 98. Mom met her goal on November 27, 2024. She was with us through that Thanksgiving celebration and our Christmas get-together. As always, she was one determined woman. Wilma is survived by her children: Randall Wood (Patty), Carol Wood Faulkner (Dean), Janet Wood, and Beth Wood Garrison (Ron); 9 grandchildren: Sherry Wood Quire (Jeremy), Jennifer Wood Priest (Jim), Jason Sovern, Krista Sovern, Aaron Garrison, Meggan Garrison Sudja, Micah Faulkner (Chaleen), April Faulkner Knight (Steve), Robin Faulkner; 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter; and many other beloved family members and friends who will carry on her legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her deeply. The Wood family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living facility. They have shown true love and compassion for Mom and all our family. The staff cared for her as if she were their own. We would also like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their quick response, care and support when we needed it most. You have all been a blessing. A service will be held in Wilma’s honor at Allen Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home Pallbearers will be Sam Secrest, Baker Quire, Aaron Garrison, Jason Sovern, Jeremy Quire, Miles Priest, and Jim Priest. Honorary pallbearers are Dean Faulkner, Ron Garrison, and Drew Mummaw. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church food pantry, https://stpaulbloomington.org/st-paul-food-pantry/ and/or the 106th Infantry Division Association, https://www.106thinfdivassn.org/donate.html. May we all strive to live with the same kindness, determination, and quiet generosity that Wilma and Bob embodied throughout their lives. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.allencares.com.

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Wilma E. (Burcham) Wood

November 27, 1926 - February 13, 2025