Ruth Wilma Bricker, 85, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, March 23, 2012, at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Wilma was born on January 4, 1927, in Dorrance, Kansas, the daughter of Paul W. and Ida M. (Bachman) Petty.  She grew up in the Dorrance and Fairport area and graduated from Paradise High School in 1945.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Jay H. Bricker on August 20, 1946 in Salina, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with three children Michael, Jerry and Susan.  Her husband Jay preceded her in death on April 24, 2006.  During a time in Wilma’s life she worked at Smith’s Grocery in Luray and the Coop Grain Elevator in Waldo, but most of her life was dedicated to taking care of her family as a homemaker.  She was a member of E.H.U. and enjoyed reading, puzzles, sewing, and card games.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her sons Michael Bricker and wife Kathryn of Fort Collins, Colorado and Jerry Bricker and wife Darlene of Frontenac, Kansas; daughter Susan Gaito and husband Anthony of Great Bend, Kansas; brothers Paul Petty of Olathe, Kansas, Francis Petty of Weaubleau, Missouri and Donald Petty of Luray, Kansas; sisters Leona Boyer and Shirley Unruh both of Hutchinson, Kansas and Ina Petty of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Michelle, Daniel, Andrew, Brice and Dustin; great grandchildren Lane, Katelynn, Amaya, Addison and Avery.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Kenneth and Duane Petty.

A Gathering service to celebrate Wilma’s life will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with family present to greet guests during that time.  Burial will follow around 4 P.M. to 4:15 P.M. at the Luray Cemetery in Luray, Kansas.  Viewing will be from 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Thursday March 29th at the mortuary.  Memorials may be given to the Waldo Senior Center or Russell County Veterans Memorial and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, are in charge of the funeral service arrangements.