Wilma Bauman
- Date Of Birth: March 28, 1931
- Date Of Death: January 5, 2022
- State: Iowa
Wilma L. “Billie” Bauman, 90, died Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Parkridge Specialty Care Center in Pleasant Hill.
Billie was born March 28, 1931, in Chicago, IL to Ben and Florence (Sheeks) Sinderson. From a very early age, she exhibited her strong will and mischievous sense of humor. She was multi-talented, from softball and bowling, to playing cards and sculpting gorgeous wedding and party cakes. She met Gerald (“Jerry”) Bauman in Falls City, NE, they were married in 1949, and the couple moved to Des Moines in the early 1950’s. While raising her four children, she was a scout leader and an active PTA member. She sat in the bleachers for all her children’s performances, whether choir, drama, softball or basketball – she was their best cheerleader.
She had great compassion for the needy, supporting the underserved population before it became popular. This led her to her career, working in nutrition services, community outreach and as a Special Education Associate in the Des Moines School System for over 30 years, retiring in 1996. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she taught children’s religious education classes, was a member of the Rosary and Altar Society for many years and a long-time volunteer as a money counter. One of her most cherished activities at St. Joseph Church was acting and singing in the “Variety Shows” of years past, where she showed off her musical and comedic talents!
Billie loved traveling, whether it was to visit family in Nebraska or Missouri, a quick drive to the dog tracks in Sioux City, celebrating grandkids’ birthdays in Las Vegas, even as far as Hawaii to visit the Arizona Memorial, her “bucket list” destination. She didn’t like flying, but would agree if there was a casino or racetrack at the destination! She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard, sewing and embroidery, reading romance novels, and making fleece blankets for family and friends.
Survivors include her children: Wayne (Dodie) Bauman of Des Moines, Kim (Norm) Silbaugh of Gillette, WY, Lorri Record of Des Moines; seven grandchildren, Shawn (Kristy) Lewis of Des Moines; Bryan (Dawn) Lewis of Des Moines; Justin (Valerie) Bauman of San Diego, CA; Kathryn (Adam) McCleish of Pleasant Hill, IA; Tony (Natalie) Silbaugh of Denver, CO; Brandon Record of Des Moines; and Breanna Record of Gillette, WY; five great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Billie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, David Bauman; and sister, Bernita Stiles.