Wilma M. Wilkins (Swartzbaugh)

WILKINS (SWARTZBAUGH), WILMA M.

103 years, of Springfield, passed away January 13, 2019, at her home in the loving surroundings of her blessed family. Wilma was born at Trail Run near New Matamoras, Ohio, to Joseph and Mabel Byers on July 16, 1915, At the age of 18 she moved to Springfield to manage a Borden's dairy store. It was there she met James Wilkins and in 1936 they married. Following the war they started a family who survive Douglas (Jan Fields) Wilkins of Naples, FL, Beverly Halpin, and Pamela (Eric) Stowe of Springfield; step-daughter Pat Nash. They owned and operated the Wilkins Drive-In Restaurant on West Main Street for over 30 years. After selling the restaurant she went on to work for Town & Country Services first as a bus driver and later as the director of the TAC Workshop until she retired at the age of 78. Her motto was "it's better to wear out than rust out" and Wilma was always active and enjoyed traveling. When she was 80 she began flower gardening turning her backyard into a blooming secret garden visited by many. Jim preceded her in death in 1974; in 1978 she married Lamar Swartzbaugh who died in 1984. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church where she was involved in ma ny activities including missionary treasurer and trustee chairman. Cherishing her memory in addition to her children would be grandchildren Carolyn and Craig Nash, Becky Ray, Brenda Halpin, Jamie (Andrea) Halpin, Mary (Will) Loden, Stephanie Wilkins and great grandchildren, Scott and Cory George, Faith Ray, Kaylee, James, Aiden, and Spencer Halpin and great great grandson Darien George. Also surviving is her remaining brother, Clifford (Margaret) Byers of Hilliard, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. A celebration of her amazing life will be held Thursday at 11:30AM in the Chapel at Rose Hill Burial Park with Pastor Ed Dungan officiating. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 11:00AM. RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com .