Wilma Jean (Merritt) Selders was born in Morrowville, KS, on October 30, 1935, the daughter of Ira Curtis Merritt and Anna Christina Anderson Merritt.  Wilma died at her home in Griswold, IA, on September 23, 2021, at the age of 85 years, 10 months, and 24 days.

Wilma attended rural schools in Kansas, moving to Walnut, IA, in 1948, then to Griswold in 1950. She graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1953.  On June 11, 1955, she married Raymond Selders at the Church of Christ in Council Bluffs, IA.  To this union, they adopted two children, Julie and James.  Wilma worked for Hansen Egg Co, the Highway Café, and Griswold Nitrogas Company as the bookkeeper for 30 years, retiring in 2000.

Wilma was a member of the Central Church of Christ, a 55 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, served on the Nishna Valley Pageant Board, was a member of the Griswold Care Center Auxiliary, and served on the Resident Advocate Committee.  She line danced with the Dixie Hens and enjoyed being around people.  The loves of her life were her five grandsons, four great grandsons, great granddaughter, and four honorary grandchildren: Fernando, Alex, Daniella, Alina, and their family.

Survivors are her daughter Julie (Rob) Brandt of Griswold; daughter-in-law Sarah Selders of Atlantic, IA; five grandsons: Robby Brandt of Council Bluffs, IA, Damion Selders of Omaha, NE, Daniel Selders, and Fiancee Brittani Santee, Nathaniel Selders, and Alexzander Selders, all of Atlantic;  four great grandsons: Gunnar, Gavin, Remington, and Raiden of Atlantic, IA; great granddaughter Aria of Atlantic, IA; brother Curt (Nancy) of Council Bluffs, IA; sister Fran Cupples of Fullerton, NE; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray; son James; brothers Willis and wife Lu, Dean, and Merlin and wife Sarah; and half-sister Doris.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold.  Visitation with the family will take place at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral service.  Memorials may be donated to the Griswold Central Church of Christ Family Life Center.  Interment will be at a later date.  Rieken Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.