Wanda Ione ZIRKLE

HERINGTON --- Wanda I. Jilka, 97, Herington, died Friday, March 7, 2003, at a Herington hospital. Mrs. Jilka was the Herington High School librarian for Unified School District No. 487 from 1953 to 1971. She also taught private piano lessons and composed music. She was an author. She was born Aug. 17, 1905, in South Haven to David Luther and Rettie Tedrow Zirkle. She earned a bachelor's degree from Southwestern College and a master's degree from Emporia State University. Mrs. Jilka was a member of Herington United Methodist Church and the Martha Circle. She was the church organist for 35 years. She was a member of the Chapter FC of the PEO Sisterhood, Herington Lioness Club, Daughter of the American Revolution, DAC and the Tri-County Arts Association. She was active in the Tri-County and Kansas historical societies, Delta Kappa Gamma, Kansas Library Association and Retired Teachers Association. She was an honorary life member of the Kansas State Teachers Association. She married Robert C. Briix on Aug. 10, 1930, in Winfield. They divorced. She married Frank A. Jilka on Aug. 20, 1958, in Herington. He died Oct. 31, 1987. Mrs. Jilka also was preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Joan Lee, on May 30, 1957. Survivors include two daughters, Virginia Lowther, Emporia, and Bonnie Thompson, McPherson; seven grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Herington. Burial will be at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Herington. Mrs. Jilka will lie in state at the funeral home from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Herington United Methodist Church and sent in care of the funeral home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, 67449-3038.

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