Wilma Bledsoe passed away April 12, 2022, at age 95. She was born Wilma Stern on March 9, 1927, in Seckenheim-Mannheim, Germany, to parents Jakob Stern and Barbara Spiess. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Buford Leon (Lee), and her sisters Thea and Ella.

Wilma met the love of her life, her husband Lee, when he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army. They had two children (Paul and Kathy). After living in Germany, Japan, and Virginia, the family ultimately settled in Lakewood, where Wilma would live in the same house for more than fifty years.

Wilma worked for many years with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), before retiring. She was deeply connected with the German community in Pierce County, and made and kept many friends from all periods in her life. She loved shopping, gardening, the coast and Ocean Shores, and traveling back to Germany to visit relatives. Most of all, she loved spending time with and was devoted to her family and friends. She brought joy to so many lives as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by many both here and in Germany.

Wilma is survived by her son, Paul (and wife Debbie); her daughter, Kathy (and husband Ed); her grandson, Shawn (and wife Christina); two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Chambers Creek Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Place, WA with reception to follow.