Wilma Ramsey, 85, of Rochelle, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Rochelle, Illinois surrounded by family, friends and the wonderful staff in Manor Court Memory Care. She was born October 31, 1940, in Eureka, Indiana, the daughter of John and Lucy (Pease) Bates.

She graduated High School in 1958 and later married William “Bill” Ramsey on September 26, 1959, in Rochelle, Illinois. They shared more than 50 years of marriage before his passing on May 30th, 2015.

Wilma began working at Eaton Corporation in 1971 and worked for many years until her retirment in 2007. When she wasn't working, she loved to spend her free time watching the kids who often referred to her as Grandma Wilma. She enjoyed all those days when grandchildren and great-granchildren came to see Grandma Wilma. Wilma also loved to go with all her family and friends out to eat which were some of her most treasured moments. Finally, if you knew Wilma, you knew she loved going with friends to the Blue Grass Festival and would even travel to be there.

Wilma is survived by her son, Roger Ramsey of Rochelle, Illinois; her daughter, Ruth (Daniel) Zissler of Peru, Illinois; her brother, Henry (Linda) Bates of Magnolia, Illinois; her seven granchildren: Heather (Scott) Hatfield, Amanda (Billy Franks) Ramsey, Jordan Ramsey, Ashley (Vincent) Walker, Kerelyn Sarmiento, Keelyn Sarmiento, and Michael Ramsey; and her ten great-grandchildren: Macy, Emma, Zaryck, Camron, Jazarion, Diamond, Caden, Luke, Thiago, and Violet.

She is preceded by her parents; her brother, Luther "Ray" Bates; her two sisters, Cathryn Ludwig and Anna Mary Allman; and her son, William Michael Ramsey.

The funeral service will be held at noon, Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street in Rochelle with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. A public visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. until 12 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.