Wilma Jean Cruts

In Loving Memory of Wilma Jean Cruts

The world became a little dimmer when Wilma Jean Cruts, age 89, went to her heavenly home on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. Wilma was born on August 11, 1936, in Kaw City, Oklahoma, to Edgar and Vada Mae Hargraves. Wilma faced her illness with a strength and grace that humbled those around her. Wilma married Willie Cruts on December 6, 1953, in Reno, Nevada.

Wilma was an inspiring and hardworking woman, whose life was defined by devotion to her family, her community, and the countless people she quietly supported along the way. She poured her energy into the Dairy Kream and ran it for 40 years; she also sold produce from Willie’s garden and traveled with her husband to auctions with his concession trailer. Everything she touched, she worked for with pride and purpose. Those who knew Wilma knew her heart- caring, nurturing, tender, loving, and endlessly compassionate. She always tried to see the good in everyone. She was strong, dependable, resilient, and generous in ways that shaped the lives of everyone around her. She showed unconditional love, understanding, honesty, and thoughtfulness, and she gave without hesitation. Wilma was the heart of her family. She wanted everyone together every chance they had, and she created a home where love was felt in every corner.

Bobby, Debbie, Danny, Don, and LaDawn are so proud to have had a mother who taught them how to live with kindness, to give freely, and to make sure people know they matter. Wilma took in family members and treated them as her own. She hosted countless gatherings, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Her life was a lesson in love. She taught us to cherish the people in our lives, to be slow to anger, to show appreciation, to understand other’s feelings, and to share love openly. Emerson said, “to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.” We can all agree that Wilma made lives better, brighter, and easier, simply by being who she was.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willie; her sons, Bobby and Danny; her grandson, Heath Ice; her son-in-law, Mickey Ice; and all her siblings- brothers, Bill, Jake, and Charlie; sisters, Marjorie, Maryann, Vera, Aline, and Sara.

She is survived by her daughter Debra Ice of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; her son Don Cruts of Edmond, Oklahoma; her daughter LaDawn Archer of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Her grandchildren, Trisha (Craig) Ice of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Ray Bowdler-Ice of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Daniel (Chenoa) Cruts of Edmond, Oklahoma; Tanner (Jamie) Cruts of Edmond, Oklahoma; Carsen Archer of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Colton (Rachel) Archer of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; Darci Campos of Watonga, Oklahoma. Her great-grandchildren, Benson and Ryan Nicole of Edmond, Oklahoma; Carter, Jonathan, and Juliet of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. As well as her good friend, Janese (Carl) Allen of Watonga, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews.

Wilma will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She will live on in our hearts because she touched them so profoundly.

A celebration of life will be held for Wilma on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Nazarene Church in Watonga, Oklahoma with Pastor Jared Burch officiating and Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga handling the arrangements.