Wilma Lee Brown, 94, formerly Gentryville

Wilma Lee Brown, 94, formerly of Gentryville, passed away at 6:50 p.m. on April 13, 2025, at Scenic Hills at the Monastery in Ferdinand.

She was born February 8, 1931, in Gentryville, to William and Lillian (Oskins) Bates.

She married Robert E. Brown on August 21, 1948. 

Wilma graduated from Dale High School and was employed at the Chrisney State Bank, Spencer County Abstract Office and the Spencer County Assessor’s Office. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, member of Spencer County DAR and the Rebecca Lodge. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and reading. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, who passed away on February 21, 2004, and one brother, Billy Bates.

She is survived by three children, Philip A. (Mary Helen) Brown of Gentryville, Deborah L. (Richard) Kasten of Santa Claus and Jill (Dennis) Faulkenberg of Indianapolis; one brother, Charlie “Bob” (Patsy) Bates of Santa Claus; and by seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Wilma Lee Brown will be held at 12:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Santa Claus Christian Church.  Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Gentryville. Pastor Joseph Seger will officiate the service.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, prior to the service at the church.  Rainey Funeral Home in Dale has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Garden of Memories Cemetery or Santa Claus Christian Church. 

Condolence may be shared online at www.raineyfuneralhome.com.