Missoula, Montanta - Wilma Jean McCollough, 93, died September 16, 2022 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montanta.  She was born on March 25, 1929 at Hodgeman County, the daughter of William and Gladys (Trent) Hessman.

Wilma went to school at the rural Buckner Valley School in Hodgeman County through the eighth grade. She then attended Dodge City High School, graduating in 1947. After high school, Wilma attended Dodge City Community College in 1963, St. Mary's of the Plains in 1968, and got her Master's Degree at Kansas State University in 1978. Wilma married Carthel E. McCollough on June 17, 1947 in Dodge City.

Wilma worked for seven years at McClellans Store and two years at Johnson's Floor Coverings in Dodge City. She also taught elementary school for 23 years; first at Richland Valley Country School for four years, then 19 years at Northwest Elementary in Dodge City before retiring in 1991. After her retirement, Wilma and Carthel enjoyed traveling; together they visited all of lower 48 states.

Wilma was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Meals on Wheels Board, Farmer's Market, Howell Country Club, Santa Fe Trail Association, Boot Hill Golden Girls, and the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel.

Wilma is survived by her son, Mike McCollough and wife Carol of Missoula, Montana; and siblings, Sandy Salmans of Cimarron, Frank Hessman of Eugene, Oregon, Darlene Hooker of Dodge City, and Ruby Cook of Dodge City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carthel McCollough; son, John McCollough; and siblings, Lillian Fitzsimmons, Rose Rinne, and Bob Hessman.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding.  Private burial will take place at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in Fort Dodge.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.