Wilma Jean Henson

Wilma Jean Henson passed away on Nov. 14, 2010 surrounded by family and eagerly welcomed by her Brother Roy, Sister Lila and daughter Melody. Wilma was born on March 13, 1929 to Henry and Johnnie Susler in Enid, Okla.

At a young age the family relocated to Bakersfield, Calif., then onto Lomita, Calif., when Wilma was 13. At the age of 16 Wilma met the love of her life, Calvin (Bob) Henson. Little did they know that three dates in three weeks they would tie the knot.

After Bob’s discharge from the Navy, Bob and Wilma made their home in Petaluma, Calif., where they welcomed their children: Richard, Peggy, Nancy, then sadly losing Melody at birth. In 1975 Bob and Wilma moved to Oroville where they made their home for many years.

Besides being a wonderful homemaker, Wilma worked outside the home in many different fields. She ran a large overhead crane, was a nursing assistant and the one she was most proud of was being a Certified NASA solderer. Some of the pieces she put together were on the first flight to the moon. Wilma was very creative, there really wasn’t much Wilma couldn’t make between sewing her daughter’s wedding dresses, to upholstering furniture and car seats, to her countless hours crocheting doilies, afghans and making “Snow People” for the Christmas Bazaars.

Wilma was blessed to have her family with her throughout the years; many memories were made with family dinners and barbecues, along with camping and fishing in the mountains. Fishing trips at Spectacle Lake was an annual event. She was always very proud of her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wilma was big on pictures and loved showing off the many memories with friends.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roy Howell; sister, Lila Redmond and daughter, Melody.

She is survived by her husband Calvin; son, Richard and wife Diane Henson; daughter, Peggy and husband Pete Kowatsch; daughter, Nancy and husband Kenny Young; seven grandchildren: Rich (Terri) Kowatsch, Andrea (Chris) Fields, John Kowatsch, Christopher Henson, Cory (Dan) Martin, Steve (Cedar) Young and Jennifer (Dave) Chandler; 11 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Rest peacefully mother and grandma, you will always be loved and missed. Thank you for all the wonderful laughter and love throughout the years.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Dementia Unit for their wonderful care for Wilma. In Wilma’s last days the staff always stopped in to check up on Wilma and share some wonderful memories that always kept us laughing.

A memorial celebration was held on Nov. 20, 2010 at the Oroville Senior Center.