Wilma Eaton

Wilma Eileen Sternhagen Eaton, age 88, died peacefully at her home surround by family on December 6, 2024. She was born on October 7, 1936, the daughter of Elmer and Jennie Sternhagen, in Crawford, NE at the home of her grandparents.

She married Gordon “Skip” Eaton on March 18, 1956 at the United Methodist Church in Chadron. They had one son Terry, and two daughters, Sydney and Kori. Their children added to that union 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

Wilma spent her early life in Sioux County and later her family moved to Crawford and then to the Chadron area. She graduated from Crawford High School in 1954 and was able to attend her 70th class reunion this past June. After having her three children, she decided to go back to school and received her Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Chadron State College and then worked toward her Masters Degree and was only a “few pieces of paperwork away” from receiving that degree.

Her first major job was working at the Chadron Medical Clinic (where she met her husband) and later worked in retail selling groceries, hardware and Western clothing. After she finished her education, she worked at the Chadron Community Hospital as a Social Worker and Human Resource Director. She then was selected to be part of the team that established Prairie Pines Retirement and Assisted Living and, when it opened, served as Director of the facility. After she retired, she worked at the Chadron Public Library through the Foster Grandparents program.

Wilma served on the Civil Service Commission and was the first female to ever serve on the board. She held that office for 39 years, April 1982 to January 2021.

Wilma loved life and was always ready for a good time with friends or family. She organized many family reunions, traveled to all parts of the country and especially liked going on cruises and dancing. She and Skip waltzed many miles together.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Skip, her grandparents and parents, one grandson, Robert Eaton, 3 siblings, Leroy Sternhagen, Mildred Hammer and Alvin Sternhagen.

She is survived by her children, Terry Eaton (Pam) Arizona City, AZ, Sydney Gottwald Chadron, NE and Kori Gaswick (Brent) Lincoln, NE; a sister, Barbara Doty (Loyd) Somerville, TN and one sister-in-law, Loyce Sternagen North Little Rock, AR, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made to Chadron Volunteer Fire Department or Chadron Public Library.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE with Sam Parker officiating. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery next to her beloved husband. A luncheon will be held after the services at Ridgeview Bible Church. All are welcome.