Wilma Lou Essex Hare, 83, of Hope passed away Sunday January 7, 2024 at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Born January 8, 1941 in Bartholomew County she was the daughter of George O. and Rosella F. Noah Essex.  She married William "Bill" Hare July 5, 1966 and he preceded her in death July 7, 2005.

Before retirement Wilma was employed as a soda jerk at Zaharakos.

She was a 50 year member of Columbus Eastern Star Chapter and served as Worthy Matron in 1984.

She loved sports, especially the Cubbies, loved Tony Stewart and Halloween.  Her favorite thing to do was watch her grandchildren and great grandchild in their activities.

Visitation for Wilma will be Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home in Hope.  The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.  There will be one hour of visitation prior to the funeral service on Friday.  Burial will be at Hope Moravian Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be donated to Hope Volunteer Fire Department.

Wilma is survived by children Mary (Ron) Lucas of Nashville, Adora (Jeff) Paetzel of Hope and Dawnita (Todd) Smith of Muncie; grandchildren, Brian (Stefani) Lucas of Iuka, MS, Jermy Paetzel (Brook, fiance') of Hartsville, Bradley Michael Paetzel of West Lafayette, Nichole Donna Paetzel (Tyler) of Schellville, Owen Smith (Rachel) of Muncie, Nevaeh Paetzel of Hope and John Paetzel of Hope; sister, Carmelita Moore of Columbus.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandson, Jacob Thomas Paetzel.

Online condolences may be expressed to Wilma's family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.