Wilma Catherine Unrein, Hays
October 23, 1931 - October 7, 2023
Wilma Catherine Unrein, 91, Hays, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Rock Regional Hospital in Derby.
She was born October 23, 1931 in Munjor, the daughter of Nick and Katie (Unrein) Leiker.
She was united in marriage to Joseph D. Unrein, Sr. on June 25, 1951 in Hays, and they celebrated nearly 58 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on April 24, 2009.
She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, the Eagles, and Hays American Legion Auxiliary.
Wilma spent her life in Hays as a homemaker, finding her greatest joy in raising her eight children. She loved her family, especially her great grandchildren who called her GG. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, watching sports, needlepoint, embroidery, and was a talented seamstress. She was an excellent cook and baker, making amazing snickerdoodle cookies, pies, bierocks, and delicious fried chicken. Wilma always had food and desserts ready to give to family and friends, and loved teaching her daughters and grandchildren how to cook and bake.
Survivors include her four sons, Joe Unrein, Jr. and wife Patti of Hays, Curt Unrein and wife Pam of Topeka, Steve Unrein and fiancé Diane Garcia of Hays, and Dave Unrein and wife Bella of Wichita, four daughters, Cindi Moses and husband Woody of Topeka, Gloria Lewis and husband Barry of Wichita, Arlene Creel and husband Mitch of Garden Ridge, TX, and Linda Jacobs and husband Bill of Derby, 13 grandchildren, Jamie Geist (Jamie), Travis Unrein (Leslie), Lance Unrein (Renae), Amanda Britz (Carl), Jodi Lewis (Matt), Jeff Unrein (Amanda), Brandon Unrein, Joshua Unrein, Chad Unrein (Heather), Brett Unrein (Mandy), Melinda Chadwell (Will), Jon Jacobs (Katie), and Matt Jacobs (Kristina), 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph, three brothers, five sisters, a granddaughter, Katina Wakefield, and a grandson, Cody Lewis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 6:30, both on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or for masses.
Condolences and memories of Wilma may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com.