Wilma Louise Ferrick

Wilma L. Ferrick, age 90, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2019 at her home in Topeka. Wilma was born March 4, 1929 in Concordia, KS the daughter of Glen and Bernice (Irwin) Graves. Her elementary education was in one room school houses, often taught by her Uncle Harold.   By the early 1940s the family moved to Topeka and Wilma attended and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1947. During high school she knew Dean Ferrick, but would not start dating him until after high school. Wilma concurrently obtained bible teachers training and worked at Crown Drugs and McClellan Dime Store. During her employment with the drug stores, she ran the cosmetic department and soda fountain. While working the soda fountain, Wilma would ensure the military men and women would have extra ice cream. Dean continued to return while she worked there, but it wasn’t for the ice cream! Wilma finally agreed to a second date two years after their first date. They were married December 4, 1949 in Topeka. He preceded her in death October 30, 2002. After high school, Wilma would receive the designation of Air Traffic Controller and was offered a position in Washington D.C.  She went on to work with Bell Telephone, State of Kansas Tuberculosis Unit, Helzberg's Jewelers and State Savings Bank, earning several banking certificates. She later worked for Farmers Union Insurance, Town and Country Insurance and Hussey Insurance. She worked for several years for the clerk of the district court and as the assistant manager at White Lake Apartments. During a 20-year span, she owned her own furniture and collectible business including appraising. She retired from the state legislative services with many letters of appreciation.

She is survived by her daughter, Deanna.

A reception will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Mt. Hope Cemetery and Reception Center and funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cat Association of Topeka, Tecumseh Kiwanis or God’s Storehouse and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com.