The Richmond News, August 1, 2025

Wilma Pence

Wilma Alice Pence, 99, of Richmond passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Lafayette Regional Hospital in Lexington. Wilma was born 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 Dec. 27, 1946. He preceded her in death on Oct. 21, 2017. Survivors include her daughter, Penny (Mark) Kugler of Richmond; and son, Dale (Jill) Pence of Richmond. Other survivors include 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. She also is survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Austin, Tyler, Alyssa, Isabella, Brody, Landon, Carson, Max, Brennon, Madelyn, Ryker, Avery, Delaney and Julian. A great-great-grandchild, Arbana, survives as well.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Gary Manning; and great-granddaughter, Luna Marie Kugler.

Wilma started school at the Mansur School north of Hardin and then continued on to Stet High School, graduating in 1943 at age 16. The following fall, she started teaching in a one-room school near Knoxville, attending Central Missouri State Teachers College in the summers.

After marrying her husband of almost 72 years, Wilma became a full-time wife and mother. Years later, they worked together in their own businesses. After they retired, they enjoyed traveling and being together until Russell’s death in 2017.

Wilma had three loves in her life: Jesus, her family and music. When Wilma was asked about what would happen when she died, 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 three 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 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation was scheduled for Thursday, July 31, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond beginning at noon, with funeral services to follow at 1 p.m. Burial was to be in New Hope Cemetery, Hardin.

Please share your memories of Wilma with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.