Wilma Sebade

Wilma Sebade Wilma Idell Sebade passed away on March 10, 2014 of aspiration pneumonia, but she lived a full and amazing life, which began on November 1, 1931 in Culbertson, Montana. She was born to David and Elsie Akers and had an older brother and sister, Don and Elaine. Wilma’s parents divorced when she was an infant; Elsie and the children settled in Eugene, Oregon where Elsie married J.T. Sorensen. They lived on a farm in what was “the country” at that time. Wilma enjoyed school and did well in her studies. She attended Eugene High School, which is now South Eugene High.Following graduation, she attended and graduated from Beauty College in Eugene and began a career as a beautician. After going to a movie with her beauty college friend, Luwanna, the girls met the men who were to become their future husbands at a coffee shop in downtown Eugene. Bryan Dismore married Wilma in 1953, and his nephew, Fred Johnson, married her friend Luwanna who then became her niece by marriage. They continued a life-long friendship until Luwanna’s death in 2010. Wilma and Bryan had three daughters – Carla, Sherrie, and Debbie and lived in Eugene until 1961 when they moved to Raytown, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City, where they lived for five years. Bryan worked in sales for a time. Later, Wilma and Bryan both worked at an ammunition plant called Lake City during the Vietnam War. After five years of watching tornados nearby, swimming at Sunny Lake, and lots of neighborhood gatherings, the Dismore family packed up and headed back home to Eugene. Shortly after returning to Eugene, they purchased a home and settled back down to raise their girls. Wilma returned to Lane Community College and obtained an Associates Degree in Accounting then went to work for Dutch Girl Ice Cream Company, which became Gem Frozen Foods. Bryan eventually bought Mr. Ed’s used cars from the widow of an old neighbor where Wilma kept the books in addition to her job at Dutch Girl. You would often find her there detailing cars as well or joining the girls in driving cars to Eugene from an auction. Wilma and Bryan settled down on the 23 acres they purchased after the girls grew up and left home. Their home was often filled with friends and family visiting from out of town. Wilma was a fabulous cook. No one could visit her house for a weekend without gaining five pounds. On this property they boarded horses along with two of their own, as well as cows and sheep. They had a large garden with every kind of produce under the sun. Wilma kept two refrigerators, two freezers and many cupboards filled with food she would can from the garden. Wilma was organized and efficient, and could outwork any three men. She was strong and seemed to have endless energy. But she always made time for family and friends and made you feel at home and comfortable. Her house was always clean, but she had toys for the grandkids and her house always felt comfortable and welcoming. Pets resided in every house she lived in, mainly dogs and cats. She was a wonderful grandma who truly enjoyed having her grandkids at the house. She helped out each of her daughters by watching their children often while they worked, went to school, or made time for fun. Shortly after retiring, Wilma and Bryan sold the 23 acres to a builder and had a house custom made in the new neighborhood where they lived for several more years. Bryan had been diagnosed with lung disease. They divorced in 1998. Wilma met Jack Sebade at church through a mutual friend. They fell in love and were married in November of 2000. Sadly, Wilma suffered multiple strokes and was ill most of her married life with Jack. He cared for her and protected her for 13 years, and Jack was holding her hand when she passed into eternity. Though Wilma lived through many hard times, her heart was never hard. She was a kind soul who loved others with all her heart. She had a way of helping others simply by her presence. She never knew how beautiful she was. Though she always tried to look her best, she never understood her true beauty. Only those of us who knew her understood and appreciated it. She always had a hug, a kind word, and that sweet smile. That is what those of us who love her will miss the most. Wilma leaves behind her husband, Jack Sebade, and two daughters, Carla Aguilar and Sherrie Carpenter, both of Eugene, Oregon, a step-son, David Dismore of Longview, Washington, a brother, Donald Sorensen of Junction City, Oregon, and a sister, Elaine Schnaible of Fresno, California, as well as seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Wilkins. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Victory Baptist Church, 3455 County Farm Road in Eugene, Oregon. A burial inurnment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park later this month.