Wilma Dowd 1950-2024

Wilma Marie Dowd, 74, of Holton, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.
She was born Jan. 9, 1950, in Holton, the daughter of John and Emma (Hansford) Chiles.
Wilma attended Holton High School. For most of her life, she was a homemaker. She was also a certified nurse’s aide for many years, working for Jackson County Nursing Home (now ANew Healthcare), Merry Manor and a few more.
She enjoyed playing at the local casinos and finding her treasures at thrift stores.
Wilma married John Henry Dowd Sr. on May 31, 1967, in Holton. They celebrated more than 57 years of marriage.
Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; son, John H. Dowd Jr. (Donella Hundley) of Topeka; daughter, Marsha R. Dowd of Holton; sister, Ruth Novinger of Holton; two brothers, John Chiles (Glenna) of Holton and Carl Chiles of Tallahassee, Fla.; four grandchildren, Ciera Abdelmalek (Tadros), Breanna Pfannenstiel (Kyle), Emma Patterson (Kyle) and Libbie Lytle; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emma Chiles; and a sister, Irene Chiles.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12 at the Circleville Cemetery. Wilma will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
Memorials may be given to Bethany Baptist Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)