HOWARD- Wilma Lois Buckingham, age 91, loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the Country Court Skilled Nursing Center in Mt. Vernon on June 1, 2026. Her kind and giving nature endeared her to everyone she met.
Wilma was born August 28, 1934 in Morgan Township, Knox County, Ohio to Charles and Mabel (Shepherd) Barrick. She graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1952, where she was active in cheerleading. She married Robert E. Buckingham on December 28, 1952 and celebrated 60 years together before he passed on Nov. 22, 2012. Together they raised four sons.
Wilma and Bob enjoyed following all the sporting events that their kids and grandkids were involved in. She once said that she was at the baseball fields in Newark four nights a week when the kids were young. She had a competitive nature and loved to play cards or games.
Wilma retired from the Mount Vernon Developmental Center after 17 years of service. In her spare time she enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and creating ceramics and crafts with her sisters. She loved working in her flower beds, baking delicious pies and cookies, and playing with her pet dogs. Wilma was a wonderful mother and grandmother, providing amazing holiday experiences. She excelled at making peanut butter and chocolate Easter eggs that were personalized with each person’s name. She would do anything to ensure Christmas was memorable, and even dressed up as Santa Claus one year to give the little ones a special treat. Her focus was always on making her family happy.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her twin sister Wanda, sisters Dorothy Melick and Marie Mosley, and brothers Don Barrick and Dale Barrick.
She is survived by her children, Keith (Brenda)Buckingham of Howard, Robert (Brenda) Buckingham of St. Louisville, Jeff (Donna) Buckingham of Howard, and Randy (JoAnn) Buckingham of Howard. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Friday, June 5, 2026 from 9:30 -11:00 a.m. at the Millwood Church of Christ, 10900 Millersburg Rd., Howard, OH 43028, with the funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. Evangelist David Jones will be officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. The Fischer Funeral Home in Danville is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be shared at FischerFuneralHome.com
The family would like to thank the caring staffs of Reserve Care Hospice and Country Court for their kindness throughout Wilma’s illness.
Funeral Home: Fischer Funeral Home
Website: www.fischerfuneralhome.com