Wilma Raymond, age 88, died on Thursday, December 20, 2012 in Gresham at Mt. Hood Medical Center.
A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Sandy Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2012. Private inurnment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.
She was born Wilma Irene Sparks in Kansas City, Kansas on July 17, 1924 to William and Martha (Johnson) Sparks; the oldest of 4 children.
When Wilma was a child her family moved to Oregon, and eventually to the Parkrose area where she graduated from Parkrose High School. For many years Wilma was a singer and musician with a country western dance band and often played at the Division Street Corral. She also had a radio show with her brother at KWJJ. However, her favorite part of her singing career was being a part of the choir at King of King’s Lutheran Church.
On December 29, 1953 Wilma married Donald Raymond in Portland. In 1972 they moved to Sandy where they made their permanent home and raised horses. Wilma was incredibly involved with the church, singing in the choir and quilting blankets for anyone who needed one. She loved horses, enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing and spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Raymond. Survivors include sons Donald West of Sandy, Daniel West of Spokane Valley, Washington, Dennis West of Yachats, Oregon, her daughter Deborah Lehr of Sandy, foster son Fred Conn, 12 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren.