Wilma Jean Raymond

Wilma J. Raymond

With her children at her side, Wilma Jean Bowman Raymond passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022, in Pendleton, Oregon.

Wilma was born to Edith Morey Bowman and Elias Price “Sam” Bowman on November 20, 1930, in Pendleton.  Wilma and her sister Nadine Bassett attended school in Pendleton where she was a cheerleader, tennis player, violinist, member of the Thespian Honor Society, Lantern staff, student council and football queen.

She attended Oregon State College where she majored in business and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. It was here she met Royal Raymond and became his wife on September 9, 1950.

Royal and Wilma moved to the Raymond Ranch at Helix where they remained for 66 years of marriage.  They had three children:  Rebecca Ann, Raphael Tony, and Jennifer Sue.

Wilma was a member of T.A.T., Girls Club, Kilkare, Helix Women’s Club, Pendleton Country Club, Helix Baptist Church, a 4-H leader, and volunteered her time on many community committees.

“Mimi”, as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called her, was a devoted wife and mother, as well as a gardener, seamstress, painter, woodworker, golfer, and energetic homemaker.  From sewing clothes to cutting the family’s hair, making appointments, and transporting kids and horses, Wilma showed her unwavering love, support, and devotion to ranch life.  She enjoyed people and animals but above all, she loved her family.  In her later years, she moved back to her birthplace of Pendleton.

Wilma is survived by her daughters; Rebecca Evans (Monte) and Jennifer Davis (the late Bill Davis); her son, Raphael Tony Raymond (Cindy); her seven grandchildren and their spouses; thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Royal, sister Nadine Bassett and brother-in-law Chuck Bassett and son-in-law Bill Davis.

Wilma was loved and admired by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at the Helix Cemetery, Friday, September 9, 2022 (Royal and Wilma’s 72nd anniversary) at 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Helix Pub.  Contributions may be made in Wilma’s name to: PAWS, Vange John Hospice, Helix Park and Recreation District or Umatilla County Historical Society in care of Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, 131 SE Byers Ave., Pendleton, OR  97801.  Online condolences may be sent to www.pioneerchapel.com.