Wilma Jane (Cormode) Hawk, formerly of Effingham, passed away on December 16, 2017, at the Apostolic Christian Nursing Home in Sabetha, KS.

Visitation will be held at the Effingham Union Church on Friday, December 22 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with interment in the Effingham Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Effingham Union Church or the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Wilma was born on June 6, 1926, in Atchison, the daughter of William Grant and Clara (Stutz) Cormode of Farmington. She was raised on a farm 2 miles south and 1 ¼ miles east of Lancaster. The family did diversified crop farming and raised cattle, hogs, and sheep.

Wilma attended Cain Grade School and graduated from ACCHS in 1943. After graduation she worked in the office at Blair Milling, Atchison, before accepting the position of secretary to the principal of ACCHS. She later served as Deputy County Treasurer.

On February 14, 1946, Wilma and her high school sweetheart, Wilson S. Hawk, were married at her parents’ home in Lancaster. They resided in Effingham for 51 years. In 1956, Wilma assisted her husband in opening and operating the Effingham Livestock Auction as well as Hawk Auction Service. She worked in the family businesses for 18 years as the office manager. After selling the sale barn, she continued to assist her husband in their farm and household auction business, cashiering all types of auctions until their retirement in 1992. During their retirement, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters at their Texas home.

Wilma was active in many community organizations, including being a 50-year member of the Rebekah Lodge, 48’ers Club, Sara Circle of the Effingham Union Church, Kansas Auctioneers Wives, and VFW Auxiliary. In addition, she, Wilson, and their children were very active in 4-H. Wilma received the Friend of 4-H and the C.E. Sells awards. She clerked the 4-H Livestock Auction for many years.

Survivors include her children, Saralee (Daniel) Sanchez, Harlingen, TX, Melody (Walter) Elsworth, Pretty Prairie, KS, Clifford W. Hawk, Highland, KS, and Traci (William) Rahe, Morrill, KS. Also surviving are granddaughter, Dawn (Leslie) Reynoso, Olathe, KS, grandson, Taylor (Candice) Rahe, Smith Center, KS, and great-granddaughters, Breanna and Brooklyn Reynoso, Olathe, KS.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson, July 16, 1997, infant daughter, Clara Pauline, June 14, 1949, her parents, and sister, Sarah K. Jensen.