Wilma Olene (Matthews) Schroeder, 96, of Crawfordsville passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at her home in Crawfordsville.
She was born April 1, 1928, in Dry Fork, Kentucky, to the late Emery Lou and Zela May (Soards) Matthews.
Wilma attended Lebanon High School and graduated from Advance High School. She married Robert L. Steelsmith on Dec. 12, 1945. He preceded her in death. Wilma later married Dr. Carl Schroeder on Sept. 12, 1975, he preceded her in death in March of 2015. She was a farmer’s wife and worked as a switchboard operator at Indiana Bell. Wilma also worked as an assistant at
Dr. Schroeder’s office.
Wilma was a member of Whitesville Christian Church, Delta Sigma Kappa, Canasta Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Mother of Twins, Ambassadair Club, and Red Hat Society. She was a former member of Rainbow Girl, the Eagles, and the Elks. Wilma enjoyed painting, puzzles, garage sales, her flower garden, and bird watching. She loved traveling, shopping, and visiting casinos. No one could go to a casino without asking her to go.
Wilma will be deeply missed by her children, Deb (Dave) Yerkes-Mason, Kevin Steelsmith, John Steelsmith, Karen Jarvis and Sharon Cain;
12 grandchildren, Ryan Yerkes, Amy Stewart, Aaron Yerkes, Chasity Riggen, Logan Steelsmith, Katie Manyik, Steve Steelsmith, Matt Steelsmith, Michael Rooze, Stephanie Rooze, Jacob Sarver and Joshua Sarver; 19 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jim (Sue) Matthews; and special friend, Madalyn Peabody.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Robert Steelsmith and Dr. Carl Schroeder; great-grandson McCoy Manyik; daughters-in-law, Kelly Steelsmith and Brenda Steelsmith; and special friends, Dorothy and Roy Smith.
A visitation will be held for Wilma at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville, on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Dave Bowers officiating. Entombment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery Mausoleum.
Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.
