Wilma Jean Westhoff

Wilma Jean (Trim) Westhoff, 73 of Chanute, KS passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. She was born on December 4, 1950 in Galesburg, KS to Melvin and Eileen (jones) Trim. Wilma attended elementary school in Galesburg and graduated from Erie High School in 1969. On February 7, 1970 she married the love of her life, Jim Westhoff at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul, KS. Wilma was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute. Mom was a master seamstress, the Mozart of the sewing machine. She designed and sewed her own wedding dress, made innumerable clothes for all of us, and crocheted dozens of afghans. She was an awesome cook, and her food was an expression of her love. If her thumb wasn’t always green, her heart was. No matter how many plants she had (or killed), she always had room for one more. Mom had a huge heart, and was incapable of turning her back on someone in need. She loved The Lord, America, and most of all her family. We were all Mom cared about, and she did her best to spoil us all. She was bold, outspoken, and opinionated. Always quick to tell you “the thing of it is…” then weigh in on whatever topic was at hand. She had a great sense of humor and we all remember her big laugh. Mom was a tireless worker, doing everything from selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door and greeting at Walmart early on, to establishing Elk Creek Kennel with Dad and growing it to levels of success they had never dreamed of. She loved taking the grandkids on vacation, going to the casino, and playing pitch. She did her level best to support the economy, summoning an endless caravan of UPS trucks to her and dad’s, carrying whatever bargain had caught her eye, despite Dad’s protests. Mom waged a lifelong war on car paint and side mirrors in particular, sending over nearly a dozen to the scrapyard and becoming a legend around the Merle Kelly Ford body shop in the process. Finally, Mom suffered through a lot, including debilitating scoliosis and losing my sister, but she always put everyone else first, despite all of her pain. She was one of one, and will be loved and missed forever by all who knew her. We love you Mama. She is proceeded in death by her daughter, Tonya Westhoff, brother, J.L. Trim, sister, Nanalee Geiger, and her parents, Melvin and Eileen Trim. Survivors include her husband, Jim Westhoff; son, Wayco Westhoff of Chanute; grandchildren, Kim Berthot, Chase Berthot, Natalie Holmes, and Arlee Westhoff; great grandchild, Chloe Berthot; and numerous nieces and nephews. Reciting of the Rosary will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chanute, Kansas on Monday, November 25th at 10:00 AM with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 AM, then burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Wilma’s name to the St. Patrick’s Altar Society or St. Patrick’s Catholic School and can be left with the funeral home. Countryside Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Wilma Jean Westhoff

December 4, 1950 - November 17, 2024