Wilma Ruman
August 30, 1927 – August 02, 2016

Wilma Ruman was born in Akron, OH, August 30, 1927, where she completed high school and attended University of Akron graduating in 1949 earning a BS degree in Education with a minor in English. A year later, Wilma graduated from Teachers College at Columbia University with her Master’s Degree. From 1950 to 1959, Wilma taught all grade levels in Physical Education in her native Ohio. From 1959 to 1968, Wilma fulfilled a lifelong dream and became head of the University of Akron Health and Physical Education where she designed the curriculum for the Physical Education Graduate program.

In 1968, Wilma moved to eastern Polk County to be closer to her sister in Winter Haven, bringing her mother with her. Wilma began teaching Physical Education and Health at Lake Wales Junior High School. The school was renamed McLaughlin Middle School in the 1980’s where Wilma continued to teach until her retirement in 1989. Even after retirement, Wilma remained active in the McLaughlin community, cultivating a reputation as the “preferred” substitute for many teachers for over 20 years.

A devout Lutheran, Wilma was an active and beloved member of Lake Wales Lutheran Church since 1968. In 1969, Wilma joined the Alpha Eta Chapter of Florida Alpha Delta Kappa, a sorority for women educators. Wilma served in leaderships roles at the local, state and regional levels sharing her dry wit and one liners known as “Rumanations.” with her Sisters. Locally, Wilma volunteered at the Lake Wales Public Library viewing donated videos for quality and continuity as well as being a vocal supporter of the Lake Wales Care Center.

Wilma is survived by her nephews, Ted Katina (Winter Haven, FL)- wife Tammy, great-nephew Cody, great-niece Kendall; Tom Katina (Centerville, Virginia)- wife- Michelle, great-niece Katherine.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 3:00 PM until service time at 4:00 PM at the Johnson-Nelson-Gill Funeral Home with Dr. Joe Mattox officiating.