Wilma D. Zech (nee Manns), 87, of Henrietta Twp, passed away Wednesday October 12, 2022 after a brief illness.  She was born May 23, 1935 in Oberlin, Ohio and graduated from Oberlin High School in 1953 and began working for Troxtel Industries as a bookkeeper.  She married Conrad Zech on June 25, 1955 after he returned from the Korean Conflict and they resided in Henrietta Township, raising 5 children.

Wilma worked for the Firelands School district and assisted in the PTA and served as President.  She worked at Allen Memorial Hospital for 20 years as Unit Coordinator and Pharmacy Tech.  She was a member of the Nativity of the BVM Church, South Amherst and was a fifth grade CCD teacher and served as Custodian. Wilma enjoyed motorcycle riding with the Red Barn Riders and Goldwing Riders in Elyria.  Wilma got her trike license at the age of 70.  She worked with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, was a Henrietta Twp Poll Worker, was a member of the Henrietta Grange and was also an advisor with the Farm Bureau Youth for over 15 years.

Wilma was a 4-H Advisor for 67 years and served with local clubs and served on county and state committees. She was part of the team for starting the Agricultural Center in Lorain County and for hiring the first Ag, 4-H and Nutrition Agents.  Wilma became a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor in 1996 and volunteered for the Lorain County 4-H Shooting Sports Club.  She was inducted into the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame in 2003 for her work at all levels of 4-H in Ohio.

Wilma also served with the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW for over 40 years, elected as Local, County, District and then State President in 1999-2000. She also served as a National Council Member in 2001.  She won numerous awards at all levels including the Points of Light Award from President George HW Bush. She was a life member of VFW Auxiliary to Post 1079, Elyria, American Legion Auxiliary Post #12, Elyria and Amvets Auxiliary Post #32, Vermilion.

Survivors include her sons, David (Miriam) Zech of Wooster, and Jeffory (Tonie) Zech of West Salem and a daughter Linda (Henry) Husk of Elyria.  She has three grandsons, Ted Zech, Jacob Zech and Henry Husk, and 3 great-grandsons with other greats expected this fall and spring.  Wilma is also survived by a sister, Marilyn Elliott, Columbus and a sister-in-law Roberta Stanchak, Lorain.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Conrad in 2018, her sons, Laurence in 1999, Timothy in 2021, and grandson William in 2016. She is also preceded by her parents, Theodore and Emma (Pallas) Manns, and a sister Ruth Caddick.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Road, Elyria from 4pm to 7pm. A service will follow at 7pm with the VFW Auxiliary.   Burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date where she will be placed with Conrad.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Lorain County 4H Endowment. Checks payable to: Ohio State University. Memo: "In Memory of Wilma Zech,"  OSU Extension 42110 Russia Road, Elyria, OH 44035 or Friends of Ohio 4H Shooting Sports c/o Dave Zech or Linda Husk.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.