Wilma R. Tunison

  Wilma Ruth Tunison, affectionately known as Billie, age 97, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at the Community Hospital in Onaga, Kansas.

  Billie was born August 8, 1926, to Bert and Margaret (Mabe) Hart at their Westmoreland, Kansas, home, the same home Billie resided for much of her life.

  Growing up in Westmoreland, Billie attended both Westmoreland elementary and high school. During high school and the WWII years, Billie and her sister Marilyn assisted their parents in operating the Westmoreland Hotel & Restaurant. After graduating high school in 1944, Billie attended Baker University only to have her college cut short due to an auto accident resulting in extended hospital stays. While recovering from her accident, Billie worked at the Pottawatomie County Courthouse while dating her future husband, Louis Tunison. 

  Billie and Louie were married in 1946. Soon, they were raising three children, Lynda, Alan, and Rodney, in their north Manhattan home. Billie was a homemaker, while Louie worked as a mechanic at Ft. Riley. Billie and Louie would later divorce with Louie passing away in 1967. 

  To provide for her three children, Billie embarked on a career at Kansas State University. She held various positions at K-State, from dorm director at Van Zile and Ford Women’s Halls to her final position as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Department of English. Billie retired from K-State in 1992.  

  Billie loved Royals baseball (her father was a semi-professional player), K-State sports, traveling when she had the opportunity, working crossword puzzles, and music. Some of her favorite times were spent singing in the Westmoreland United Methodist Church choir. 

  Billie is survived by daughter Lynda Walsh (Tim) and son Rodney Tunison; niece Sandi Grove (Curt); grandchildren Holly Tunison, Ranae Tunison, Dr. Bryan Emmerson, Jonathan Walsh, and Kimberly Tunison Chavez; and six great-grandchildren.

  Billie was preceded in death by her parents, son Alan Tunison, and sister Marilyn Tunison. 

  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Westmoreland United Methodist Church. Pastor Bryan McBride will officiate. Burial will follow in the Westmoreland City Cemetery.

  Those wishing to make a memorial contribution, can make it to the Westmoreland United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.