Wilma R. Cornwell

Wilma Ruth Cornwell passed away Monday, July 8, 2019, three months shy of her 100th birthday.

Wilma was born October 9, 1919 in Des Moines, Iowa to Frank and Lillian Moore. She graduated from Ankeny High School in 1936, two years early at the age of 16, and was Valedictorian of her class. She excelled at basketball during her high school years. She was honored to meet Governor Kim Reynolds in 2019 at the Iowa Girls’ State Basketball Tournament Centennial Celebration.

Wilma dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted caretaker of her son, Clifford, who was born with severe cerebral palsy. At Clifford’s birth, the family was told he would have a life expectancy of 15 years. Clifford passed away in 2004 at the age of 68.

She was a farm wife and enjoyed working the farm with her husband, Glen. She will be remembered as an excellent cook and for her love of cardinals. Wilma was a lifelong member of Ankeny United Methodist Church and the Greenwood Friends Club.

Wilma is survived by her son, LeRoy Cornwell (Edie Hodges); daughter, Susan (John) Robinson; grandchildren, Patrick (Deb) Cornwell, Stuart (Michael) Cornwell, Aaron (Ashley) Robinson, and Andrew (Tamara) Robinson; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Chloe, Jacob, Skylar, Jesse, Breanna, Conner, Gretchen, Ruby, Iris, Logan, Abby and Lane; great-great-granddaughter, Kynsleigh; cousins, Don and Kathy Cornwell; special friends, Sue Thompson and Deb Fisk; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen; son, Clifford; and brother, John Moore.

Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2019 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, followed by burial at Greenwood Friends Cemetery in Ankeny. Family will greet guests one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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