04-18-1932

Wylma Jean (Jenkins) Heiskell of Alton, Mo. was born on April 18,1932 to Wallace Nelson and Leona Davis Jenkins in Licking, Mo. She was united in marriageto James Wade Heiskell on Sept. 6, 1951 in Mammoth Springs, Ark. She departed this life on Feb. 15, 2023, while a resident at Good Samaritan in Mountain Home, Ar., at the age of 90.

She is survived by her husband, sister Luann and husband Bob Jackson of Denver, sister-in-law Joyce Jenkins, two sons, Don Heiskell and wife Janice of Austin, Texas, Dan Heiskell and wife Laura of Yellville, Ark. Six grandchildren, Randall Ramsey, Tana Downum, Lindsey and husband John Robinett, Elizabeth and husband J.R. Hoover, Veronica Heiskell, and Alexandra Heiskell. Eight great grandchildren, Koel Downum, Jace Robinett, Gabrielle Ramsey, Mariah and husband Michael Boland, Taya, Braedan, Dalton, and Jordan Ramsey, one niece, Elizabeth and husband Sheldon Spiegelman, five nephews, Mark Jackson and wife Sherri, Randal Jenkins and wife Kelly, Kevin Jenkins and wife Kristie, Morris Jenkins and wife Janine, and Lyndal Jenkins.

Wylma was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Donald Ray and Glen Jenkins.

Wylma graduated Valedictorian of the Alton class of 1950 and later attended business classes at SMSU in Springfield Mo. In 1959, Wylma settled with Jim in Gainesville, Mo. and for the next 11 years would raise their boys on Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes where they would spend from early – 02-15-2003

spring through fall fishing or camping on one or the other lakes. That was where Jim and the boys would soon realize that Wylma was a master at out-fishing them on most occasions. It was also during this time that Wylma started a career working for Ozark County Social Services. This was a career that allowed her true spirit of helping others to really shine. In 1970, Wylma and Jim would move to the family farm at Alton where she would continue her social service career for Oregon County until she retired.

Wylma loved to travel, so upon retirement, she and Jim would travel all over the United States from Alaska to Maine with many fishing trips into Canada. Retirement would allow her to fully immerse herself in supporting the school activities she loved so much. If there was a school event or ball game of any kind, she would be there supporting the kids. This would be the case for many years, well after supporting her own boy’s teams. She would become an avid Booster Club member and eventually help set up a scholarship foundation for Alton High School. She was a very kindhearted person, wife, and mother who so loved supporting and helping others. This trait and so many more will be dearly missed.

Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Clary Funeral Home in Alton, Mo. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. with Robert Wiggs officiating. Burial was at Smith Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Alton School Foundation.”