Wilma Alice Pence, 99, of Richmond, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Lafayette Regional Hospital in Lexington.
Wilma was born on June 1, 1926, in rural Ray County, on the family farm, the daughter of Floyd Alfred and Pearl Frances (Summers) Penny. She was united in marriage to Russell Michael Pence of Rockingham on December 27, 1946; he preceded her in death on October 21, 2017.
Survivors include: daughter, Penny (Mark) Kugler of Richmond; son, Dale (Jill) Pence of Richmond; nine grandchildren: Aaron (Angela) Manning, Ryan (Tammy) Kugler, Amy (Chad) Burnine, Denise Pence, Rusty (Megan) Kugler, Lacy Kay, Regan Kugler, Catherine Pence, and Jackson Pence; 14 great-grandchildren; Austin, Tyler, Alyssa, Isabella, Brody, Landon, Carson, Max, Brennon, Madelyn, Ryker, Avery, Delaney, and Julian, and one great-great-grandchild, Arbana.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Russell, daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Gary Manning, and great-granddaughter, Luna Marie Kugler.
Wilma started school at Mansur School north of Hardin, and then continued on to Stet High School, graduating in 1943 at the age of 16. The following fall she started teaching in a one-room school near Knoxville, attending Central Missouri State Teachers College in the summers.
After Wilma married her husband of almost 72 years, she became a full-time wife and mother. Years later, they worked together in their own businesses. After they retired, they enjoyed traveling and just being together until Russell died in 2017.
Wilma had 3 loves in her life: Jesus, her family, and music. When Wilma was asked about what will happen when she dies, she wrote, “I will go to heaven to be with Jesus. Not because I’m good enough, but (because) Jesus paid my sin debt.” She was taken to New Hope Church every Sunday as a child, and continued to grow in her faith as she aged.
As an only child, Wilma always wanted a family ‘of her own’. She wrote, “When I married Russell and when each of our 3 children were born was my happiest experience. As the grandchildren came along, that was a very happy time.” She was a wonderful mother and loved her family dearly.
When Wilma was about 5, her aunt passed away and left Wilma her piano, and because of that gift, Wilma discovered her gift for music. She loved to sing and play in churches and school, and gave piano lessons at home. She could hear a song on the radio and sit down at the piano and play it perfectly.
Wilma will be greatly missed by her entire family who loved her very much.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the Hardin Baptist Church or New Hope Cemetery. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond beginning at 12:00 P.M., with funeral services to follow at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, Hardin. Please remember to share your memories of Wilma with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
