Wilma “Ma” Steadman, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kan. Wilma was born Dec. 26, 1928, on the family farm north of Bison, Kan., to Jacob “Jake” and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Wilhelm) Steitz. Wilma graduated from Bison High School in 1948, then went to work for JC Penney in La Crosse, Great Bend and Wichita. Wilma married Bill Gene Steadman, Nov. 22, 1953, in Great Bend. Bill passed away Dec. 21, 2019.

Wilma was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy and fulfillment in painting vibrant scenes that reflected her appreciation for beauty and detail. Her sewing skills were admired by many. In the kitchen, Wilma’s cooking brought people together and her meals were often the centerpiece of family gatherings and celebrations.  

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Livingston (Bob) of Derby, Kan. and Becky Foos (Eric) of Brownell, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Joshua Helm, Nicole Fehrenbach (Shane), Adam Watkins (Caitlyn), Aaron Watkins, Bryan Watkins, Troy Grandy (Adrianna), Geena Storm (Jaylin); 11 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Mary Steitz of La Crosse. Her wisdom continues to live on through them.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Bill; daughter, Kathy Fisher; granddaughter, Terra Helm; great grandson, Samuel Storm; and brothers, Victor Steitz, Reinhold Steitz, Eberhardt Steitz, Leland Steitz, Maynard Steitz; and sisters, Vernita Healzer, Leona Keil, Ruby Shank, and an infant sister.

Wilma’s life was marked by great strength and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, Kan., with Pastor Phyllis Burdge and Pastor Jaylin Storm presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, with the family present to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Locust Grove Village, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS  67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 26, 2025