Wilma Bernadine Bageant Aune, 98 years old, passed away May 4, 2017 in Colfax. She was born November 17, 1918 in St. John, WA to John E. and Susie Nichols Bageant. At the age of 3 years old her family moved to a farm in the Diamond area. Wilma attended Diamond Grade School and graduated from Colfax High School in 1936.
She attended Kelsey Baird Secretarial School in Spokane and graduated in 1937. She worked in Pullman for the State Crop Insurance Office from 1937-1945.
In her earlier years Wilma enjoyed attending Grange Dances in Diamond and throughout Whitman County. It was at one of these dances that she met the love of her life, Melvin Aune. On November 9, 1945; she married Melvin Aune of LaCrosse. The couple farmed in the Onecho area until 1950 when they moved to a farming operation in the Hay-LaCrosse area. Melvin was tragically killed in a farm-related accident in September 1957 at the young age of 41 years. Wilma sold the farm lease in 1958 and built a new home for herself and 3 young children in LaCrosse, WA.
Wilma worked as a bookkeeper at Bartlett and Herron Trucking companies and for Seattle First National Bank-LaCrosse branch until 1983 when she retired from the work force. In September of 1993, she moved to an apartment in Colfax, WA. June of 2013, saw her move into her current home at The Courtyard in Colfax.
Wilma was an active member of Selbu Lutheran Church and DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). She spent several years teaching sewing as a 4-H leader. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, and gardening. She was active in a Colfax bowling league for several years. In her retirement, Wilma enjoyed traveling on cruises and bus tours. She was a member of the Whitman Community Hospital Auxiliary for several years. Wilma had a great love for cats and enjoyed the companionship of all her feline friends. Wilma took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and those 3 great-grandsons always made her smile.
Wilma B. Aune is survived by her 3 children: 2 daughters: Truda, and Joe Fox of Oakesdale; Sondra, and Jim Becker of Boise; and a son, Jerry Aune of Colfax. Wilma is also survived by 3 grandsons; Travis and Trevor Fox and Ryne Becker. Wilma is also survived by three great-grandsons; Tucker and Tate Fox, and Alex Becker; a step-grandson Jay Becker, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; a brother, Earnest; her parents, Ed and Susie; and a step-mother, Letha.
A memorial service celebrating Wilma's life will be held Monday, May 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. at her beloved Selbu Lutheran Church located in the LaCrosse area countryside. Burial will follow the service in the Selbu Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church basement. The family asks that memorials in Wilma's name be made to Selbu Lutheran Church. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.