Wilma Mae Kieffer

BOARDMAN - Wilma Kieffer, 92, formerly of Austintown, passed away peacefully, Friday afternoon, March 29, 2024, at Shepherd of the Valley Poland with her family by her side.

Wilma was born August 10, 1931, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Clarence L. and Catherine Creighton Stricklin and was a lifelong area resident.

A graduate of Struthers High School in 1950, Wilma's journey of love and companionship began when she met Richard E. Kieffer, who affectionately called her “Pumpkin”. They were united in marriage on January 10, 1953, and for 58 years, they shared a life filled with joy and devotion. Their home on Westgate Blvd. in Austintown was a testament to their love until Richard’s passing on October 13, 2011.

Following their marriage, Wilma and Richard embarked on an adventure to Florida, where Richard was stationed with the United States Air Force. There, Wilma served as a secretary to a Major in Base Supply. Upon their return to Ohio, Wilma dedicated herself to her family, balancing the roles of motherhood and working for The Legal News.

A faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austintown, Wilma's commitment to her faith was unwavering. She actively participated in the Naomi Circle, a cherished community within the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Sports held a special place in Wilma's heart, and she found great delight in cheering for her beloved Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Wilma leaves to cherish her memory her four sons, David (JoEllen) Kieffer of Boardman, Richard Kieffer of Spring Mills, PA., Jeff (Marianne) Kieffer of Nashport, OH and Mark (Jean) Kieffer of New Palestine, IN; her nine grandchildren, who were the loves of her life, Alyson (Eric) Bunnell, Andrew (Katrina) Kieffer, Jacob Kieffer, Joshua Kieffer, Jesse Kieffer, Emily (Darwin) Kieffer Valdes, John (Serena) Kieffer, Sam (Tori Steen) Kieffer and Ashley Kieffer; four great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure, Everly, Nora, Sophie, and Iratxe; her brother, Thomas (Carol) Stricklin of Houston, TX and a sister-in-law, Brenda Stricklin of The Plains, OH.

Wilma will always be remembered as a sweet and loving lady who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents and husband, two brothers, Clarence “Bud” Stricklin and David Stricklin and three sisters, Ruth Tokar, Annetta Spieth and Norma Pagac preceded Wilma in death.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church 162 S. Raccoon Rd., Austintown where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown, where Wilma will be laid to rest with her beloved husband.

Wilma's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff of Shepherd of the Valley Poland for their kindness shown and compassionate care given to Wilma during her stay there.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.