Obituary of Wilma June Davis

Grammie wrote her obituary in August of 2020. God brought her home on February 27, 2024.

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Wilma June (Hager) Davis was born to Hilda V. and August E. Hager on September 27, 1934 in Dillwyn, KS. She was the only girl and she had 4 brothers. She grew up in a very rural area where there were 3 houses, a blacksmith shop, and a large grain elevator managed by her father. This is known as Dillwyn, KS. She started school in a 1-room school where there were 8 students (for grades 1 through 8) taught by 1 teacher. When the country school closed, she finished grade school at St. John, KS, then Jr High and High School at Macksville, KS. She attended Girls State during her Junior year and graduated the next year as Salutatorian. She entered Wesley Hospital Nursing School with a special exception as she was only 16 years old. The second year of training, she met the love of her life and eloped with Leroy I. Davis, Sr. in December of 1952.

They were married almost 43 years before he passed from a massive heart attack. During this 43 years, they started their world in Pratt, KS. Kay Anne (Davis) Persichitte, Leroy I. Davis, Jr., and Tom R. Davis were welcomed to this world. They started a Cushman Dealership along with Leroy being a mechanic at the Ford Garage. When Kay was about 6 years old, they moved to Garden City, KS where Kim L. (Davis) Beckett was born. Leroy (known in KS as Nobby) worked as a mechanic at the Ford Garage. In 1962 (Kim being about 6 months old), they packed up lock stock and barrel and moved to Loveland, CO. What a great decision! Leroy worked at the Ford Garage and Wilma was employed as a graveyard dispatcher for the Loveland Police Department. In 1964 they started Leroy’s Sinclair which they ran until 1970 when they moved down on Hwy 402 and went totally in the towing and wrecker service.

Wilma helped Leroy operating a truck as needed for several years until their sons were old enough to drive. As this occurred, Wilma went to work as the first female (as a certified officer) in the Larimer County Sherriff’s Department. She worked there almost 20 years, retiring as a Sergeant. It was at this time that females had to work twice as hard to get half as far. It doesn’t work that way today.

I have had a truly blessed life. Our kids are great! Leroy and Wilma finally sold their wrecker business and Leroy (known as Dipper in CO) drove over the road. He loved his Peterbilt truck. After Dipper’s death, Wilma spent the winters in Mesa, AZ being the Activity Director at the park where she lived. After 4 years, her children decided she could travel anywhere but she had to live in Loveland due to medical concerns. She enjoyed many community projects with the Loveland Lions Club. Wilma particularly loved the little train in North Lake Park. She lived life to the fullest. She is a member of the First Christian Church and an honorary member of the Road Knights.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her 4 brothers, and her son, Tom. She is survived by Kay (Andy) Persichitte, JR (Shirley) Davis, and Kim (Ben) Beckett, 8 grandkids and 16 great-grandkids. Please don’t say she died with the virus…make it old age.

“Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways…totally worn out, shouting Holy Moly, what a ride!!!”

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a gift to your favorite non-profit. Also, if you wish to remember her for her history with 4-wheeling, ice racing, street rods, or hot rods (and the weather permits), feel free to drive your favorite ride to her service.