Wilma June Mavencamp

God lent us one of his best when he sent Wilma J (McMullen) Mavencamp to Leonard and Vivian McMullen on November 10, 1937. After 86 years on earth, God called her home on July 10, 2024. Wilma was the second of seven children. She was born at the McMullen homestead north of Whitewater (delivered by her midwife grandmother Nora). Wilma was home schooled and attended both Houkas and Whitewater Elementary schools. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957.

While attending high school, Wilma met the love of her life—Fredrick (Bud) Mavencamp. They were married on November 23, 1956. They spent the next 60 years (plus one month) joined at the hip and in the pursuit of owning their own farm. Wilma worked at several different jobs over a 47-year time span. She began her work career in 1962 at Trafton Dorr. She did secretarial work for Willis McKeon and held various positions at Valley Cleaners, First Security Bank, Malta Irrigation District, Phillips County Assessor’s office, BLM, and the Farm Service Administration. Wilma retired from the Farm Service Agency in 2009. Being a get ‘er done type of person, Wilma stayed busy in retirement working at the Phillips County Museum and at the Fred Robinson house. Because she possessed a green thumb and loved to make things prettier with flowers, Wilma enjoyed being a member of the Dirt Daubers Club where she served as secretary and treasurer. Her support of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and school spanned several decades where she was a key contributor. Her service included being treasurer of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Wilma had an extraordinarily strong work ethic. But in her downtime, she loved to travel. She particularly enjoyed zip lining in Hawaii and climbing an intimidating waterfall in Jamaica with Heather. At home, Betty Crocker had nothing on her. She could make a dinner out of very little and make it taste great because it was made with a secret ingredient called ‘love.’ She wore an invisible cloak of iron will and selflessness. She wanted nothing more than to simply help others.

Wilma is survived by her three children: Kary(Ann), Karl(Angelia), Karen(Ken); grandchildren: Pam(Tyson), Jay(Mikell), Heather(Matt), Dee, Day(Julie), Nathan, Ryan, Beau(Corrie), Jess, Delaney(Alex); sister-in-law: Bonnie McMullen; siblings: Pat Omdahl (sister), Mike and Ray McMullen (brothers); and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, sister Barb Mavencamp, brothers Robin and Terry McMullen, and her parents. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW).

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