Wilma Lea Lilly Curell

Wilma Lea Lilly Curell passed away on April 23, 2018. She was born on July 06, 1943 in Alto Pass, Illinois to Fred & Hazel Lilly.

Wilma was raised in Sunnyslope, Arizona and attended Sunnyslope schools.  She and Charles were married in 1959 and moved to Tucson to embark on their journey through life.  They started their family in Tucson and spent many years in Southern Arizona.  Charles’s career with A.J. Bayless Grocers took him to several other areas in the state, where they eventually landed and retired in Show Low.  Prior to retirement Wilma worked many years as a merchandiser for American Greetings and other companies in grocery and drug stores throughout Navajo county.

Wilma’s love was raising her children.  She cherished them, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker.  She loved working on crafts, especially crochet, and she loved all animals.  She was also quite opinionated on politics and could engage in lively political conversations. She loved to go to yard sales. She had a keen eye for all the best treasures.

She was preceded in death by parents; sister, Patty Brown; younger brother, Stephen; and most recently, her lifetime companion, Charles S. Curell Sr.

Survived by children, Sherri (Danny) Escalera, Cheryl (Ray) Borst, Charles (Karen) Curell Jr, and Johanna (Darin) Whiting; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister Sharron, and two brothers, Jim (Becky) and Fred (Liz) Lilly.  

Wilma left us unexpectedly and will leave a great void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.  Her final resting place will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson and a celebration of life will be held in her honor her in Tucson in mid-May.