Wilma Marie Dowd, 74, of Holton, KS, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born January 9, 1950 in Holton, KS, the daughter of John and Emma (Hansford) Chiles.

Wilma attended Holton High School. For most of her life, she was a homemaker. She was also a Certified Nurse's Aide for many years, working for Jackson County Nursing Home (now Medicalodge Jackson County), Merry Manor and a few more.

She enjoyed playing at the local casinos and finding her treasures at thrift stores.

Wilma married John Henry Dowd, Sr. on May 31, 1967 in Holton. They celebrated over 57 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, John of the home; son, John H. Dowd, Jr. (Donella Hundley) of Topeka, KS; daughter, Marsha R. Dowd of Holton, KS; sister, Ruth Novinger of Holton, KS; 2 brothers, John Chiles (Glenna) of Holton, KS and Carl Chiles of Tallahassee, FL; 4 grandchildren, Ciera Abdelmalek (Tadros), Breanna Pfannenstiel (Kyle), Emma Patterson (Kyle) and Libbie Lytle and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emma Chiles and sister, Irene Chiles.

Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024 at the Circleville Cemetery. Wilma will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Bethany Baptist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.