Wilma "Jean" Waltmire, 94, Harrisonville, MO, passed away peacefully with her family and friends by her side on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Her desire was no services to be held.

Jean was born May 4, 1929 in Bates County, MO, a daughter of Clifford Crawford and Ethel Irene (Sexson) Highley. As a little girl, she had to milk cows before school; take care of siblings and make many of her own clothes. She was smart and excelled in school and even taught the older students algebra and geometry. After a trying time in early adulthood, she re-connected with her elementary school boyfriend, Harold "Dean" Waltmire and they married on May 30, 1957. They enjoyed rodeoing with friends, going to dances and having a good time. She was always up for experiencing new things, so she learned to play tennis, golf and was always on bowling leagues.

Jean was an avid seamstress and learned how to make Dean a suit that he wore for their 50th anniversary party. She even learned to fly small planes! She was a great cook, so her membership in VFW Auxiliary and American Legion guaranteed them she would be volunteering when it came to making meals. Over the years, she made hundreds of lap robes for VA homes. She was also a member of the Raymore Eagles. She gave to numerous charities. In recent years, she joined the Cass County Elks Lodge #2791 in Harrisonville, mostly to socialize! She retired from Western Electric after 30 years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, scratch-offs, and loved her once-a-month "coffee" with some of the local CWA retirees.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean on March 2, 2016; three brothers; and one sister. She is survived by two sons: Joe Maloney, Colorado; and Wayne Maloney, Harrisonville, MO; one daughter, Terrie Freeman, Halfmoon, NY; two sisters: Connie Stackhouse, KS; and Clara Castro, Grain Valley, MO; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.