Wilma J. Tackett, 69, of North Platte, was promoted to glory on October 6, 2023 at Great Plains Health.
Wilma was born March 25, 1954 to William and Geraldine Gilbert in North Platte. She grew up with her seven siblings, attending school in North Platte and graduating in 1972. The Gilbert family was proudly involved with the Salvation Army Church, which influenced Wilma’s life, and after graduation, she continued her work within the church volunteering. During this time, Wilma met the love of her life, Richard, who also volunteered with the church, and the couple married in 1974. They then started their new life together in Rapid City, South Dakota where Richard was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. After Richard’s time with the Air Force ended, the couple relocated to North Platte, and were blessed with two wonderful children: Joanna and Nathan.
Because of her devotion to the Salvation Army, Wilma began working there as a part-time janitor, continuing to volunteer during her free time. She loved teaching others and sharing her love of Jesus, but nothing compared to her devotion to her family. Wilma was often found crafting, in front of her sewing machine, or quilting. She and Richard enjoyed bowling, volleyball, watching football together, and of course, numerous church events. Eventually Wilma worked her way up to a full-time employee with the church, helping with bookkeeping, human resources, and various office duties. She remained working there more than 30 years, retiring in 2019.
Wilma was a quiet, yet strong woman, battling numerous health issues all her life, but never allowing them to stop her. She will always be remembered for the countless lives she impacted.
Wilma was proceeded in death by her parents; infant brother, Johnathan; infant daughter, Joanna; beloved husband, Richard, in 2015; sister, Christine; and in-laws, Walter and Imogene.
She is survived by son, Nathan (Jennifer) of North Platte; granddaughter, Cydney Spady of Lexington; siblings, Dennis Gilbert (Sharon) of Ft. Worth, TX, Margaret Kaczmarek of Omaha, Dave Gilbert (Jeanie) of North Platte, Charlene Nicholas (Perry) of Hershey, Tom Gilbert (Becky) of North Platte, and Shirlene Smith (Randy) of North Platte, and hundreds of nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, and friends.
Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 13, at the Salvation Army Church. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 12, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.