Wilma Jean Schneider, age 95, of Gower, passed away May 2nd, 2025.
She was born March 4th, 1930, in rural Buchanan County, a daughter of the late Curtis and Gladys Yeakly. Wilma moved to St. Joseph, where she graduated from Benton High School and Platt Business College. On September 3rd, 1949 she married the love of her life; Loren Schneider.
Wilma lived a life full of service to both her family and her community. In 1957 Loren and Wilma moved to Gower when they acquired the Farmers Bank of Gower. For nearly 50 years Wilma and Loren dedicated their lives to banking and making Gower a better place to live. Wilma was active in the Gower Christian Church, PEO Sisterhood, and Chat N’ Nibble. After retiring from banking, Wilma fulfilled her lifelong dream of being a teacher by volunteering at East Buchanan Elementary School.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Loren Schneider; as well as sister Caroline Fuller.
She is survived by one sister; Dixie Turner and two daughters; Kathi (Ernie) Mallen and Karen (Steve) Patterson; four grandchildren, Angela (Nick) Watson, Erin (Mark) Stover, Dylan (Carsyn) McGuire, Tim (Becky) Mallen; eight great-grandchildren; Loren and Olivia Watson, Joseph and Ella Stover, Reagan and Bowen McGuire, Avery and Owen Mallen.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday, May 8th at the Gower Christian Church with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service. Burial: Allen Cemetery, Gower. Memorials may be made to the Gower Christian Church. Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home of Gower.
