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Wilma Stewart Hawks

 

  Wilma Stewart Hawks, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Sonoma after a long illness on June 26, 2012. A long-time resident of Paola, Mrs. Hawks was born March 26, 1922, in Winona Lake, Ind., to traveling evangelists, the Rev. Charlie and Mrs. Fae (Hudson) Stewart.

  The family later settled in Kansas City, Mo., where Mrs. Hawks graduated from high school and attended the University of Kansas at Lawrence while working at the Kansas City Star. When the Rev. Stewart retired, the family moved to the Hudson family home in Olathe, Kan.

  In 1942, Wilma married Jackson Davis Hawks, a civilian flight instructor for the Army Air Corps who subsequently enlisted for active duty in Europe. During her marriage, Mrs. Hawks learned to fly several different types of airplanes, including the notoriously difficult “Stearman.” Divorced with three young children in 1951, she returned to Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia to ear her bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential.

  Her teaching career took her to Utah, and the Southwest, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as schools in Kansas. After she retired from teaching, Mrs. Hawks worked for a few years as a clerk at the state hospital in Osawatomie while helping care for her aging mother in Garnett. After her mother’s death, she moved back to Paola and devoted herself to her sister’s grandchildren. She was active in the children’s schools and sports activities and was known for her bottomless cookie jar.

  In 1955, she retired a third time, moving with her sister, Roberta Denton, to Sonoma. There she enjoyed the dramatic Northern California Coast, the lovely rolling hills and vineyards, the many historic sites and making new friends.

  She delighted everyone wither artful handwork; crocheting lap robes, baby Afghans and charming stuffed animals.  Most of these gifts found homes nearby, but one very special set of baby things traveled to Katmandu, Nepal, to welcome the daughter of a Sherpa guide who had saved her daughter’s life on a trek in the Himalayas.

  Mrs. Hawks is survived by her daughters, Roberta Hawks Harter, of Reno, Nev., and Elizabeth Hawks Thompson, of San Rafael; her son, Jackson D. Hawks, II, of Sioux City, Iowa; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and loving friends.

  At her request, no formal services will be held. Her cremated remains were privately scattered-at-sea in the Pacific Ocean just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.

  Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. Inquiries can be made to them at 996-3655 or by visiting their website at www.duggansmissionchapel.com.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel.

Mission Cremation Service

525 W. Napa St.

Sonoma, CA 95476

707-996-36