Wilma Lou (Green) Luther

“A family with an old person has a living treasure of gold.“

We didn’t want the moment to come, but it did. The last of that fine generation in the Green/Taylor family has passed.

Wilma Luther was born in 1933 on Oak Street in Valparaiso, not far from Kirchoff Park. She was one of seven children born to George M. Green and Lura Taylor Green. Her husband, Robert, and siblings Morrie (McGee) Green, Phyllis Powell, Gracia Goetz, George R Green, Alice Pierson, and Sue Jankowski all preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Mark Luther and granddaughter Angelina Luther of Alexandria, VA.

At wedding receptions, Wilma and Bob often earned the right to be last couple on the dance floor – as the longest married couple present. Wilma delighted in raising Mark, telling stories about the fun she had picnicking on the floor with him when it was raining and about his adventures. She doted on her beloved granddaughter, Angelina. Wilma was independent and active into her late 80s. When she needed them, Mark and Angelina devotedly cared for Wilma. She never wanted for flowers as Mark ensured bouquets for every occasion and no occasion, and Angelina lovingly chose to move in to help Mark take care of grandma on her last journey. Wilma could not have received better care anywhere.

Wilma was 89, and she lived her life curious about world events, open to new friendships, knowledge and people, involved in her community, and always with a book at hand. She loved a good conversation. As a middle child of seven, she wore hand me downs and never forgot it. Perhaps that’s why she was always stylishly dressed, with nails and hair polished. She journeyed to Costa Rica, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and traveled to family in the US, enjoying each adventure and the people she shared them with. Family was everything to her; she leaves many nieces and nephews who miss her terribly. After graduating from Valparaiso High School, she worked at Indiana Steel (Indiana General). Wilma was an expert seamstress, quilter, cook, and worked three years a hairstylist at Harvey’s. She became Assistant Director of VHS of Food Service and then Director of Food Service at Hobart Schools. She not only knew nutrition, but practiced it. She never met a vegetable she didn’t like. Even after retirement, she worked as a consultant. She shared her knowledge of local and family history and volunteered with the Porter County Museum. She was generous with her time and always ready for a party or event. You didn’t need to ask her twice.

Wilma took her special great niece Angela Darrol under her wing, attending talent shows, dance recitals, and every birthday. “Angela’s stylist,” Wilma received the title of Best Great Aunt Ever; it was fitting and true.

Our family treasured every “Wilma Moment.”

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