Wilma Lee Wathen

Wilma Lee Foster Wathen, 78, of Equality, Ill., passed away at 1:00 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2009 at her home after a long battle with breast cancer. Wilma was born November 4, 1930 in Ridgway to the late Joseph and Lottie (Baker) Foster. She was married to Eugene Arthur "Blackie" Wathen on June 6, 1951 in Ridgway. He preceded her in death on December 18, 1973. Wilma was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ridgway. She retired as Coordinator of the Gallatin County Golden Circle in 1996. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society and the Gallatin County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Wilma is survived by a son, James Wathen of Forrest City, Ark.; three daughters, Cheryl Alexander of Harrisburg; Mary Reljic of Springfield, Karen and Doug Walters of Ridgway; one daughter-in-law, Tina Wathen of Ridgway; two brothers, Judge Don and Fay Foster of Ridgway, Bertis and Jackie Foster of Metropolis; one sister-in-law, Carol Foster of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Kyle Alexander of Harrisburg, Alex and Kate Reljic of Springfield, Maggie, Aaron, and Isaac Walters of Ridgway. She was preceded in death by parents; husband; a son, Don Wathen; brother, Gene Foster; one grandson, William Ashton Walters; two son-in-laws, Jeff Walters and John Alexander; two sister-in-laws, Helen Vineyard Foster and Martha Hines Foster. Wilma touched so many lives. Her love for her family and friends was unconditional and her faith in God unwavering. Visitation for Wilma will be Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Ridgway. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. Father Mark Stec will be officiating with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallatin County Golden Circle in Ridgway, St. Joseph Cemetery Ridgway Fund or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Internet condolences may be made at www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.