Wilma Stanton

Wilma L. Stanton 101 ¾, lived a beautiful and incredibly active life. Blessing everyone's lives around her. A couple of weeks ago she began to slow down and entered the final chapter of her life. Wilma passed away peacefully September 27, 2025 in her daughter's home in Platteville, Wisconsin surrounded by her cherished girls.

Wilma was born January 6, 1924 the first child of Jesse and Ina (Craven) Butson. She graduated from Platteville High school in 1942 and soon married her 4-H leader Wilbur Stanton. They were blessed with five daughters. 

Wilma and Wilbur traveled to several continents, including Australia, New Zealand, Africa, China, and Europe with the People-to-People tours: a program to provide education with local experts on farming and livestock skills of the United States. A long-time member of the Mt Zion Cornelia Church, Wilma also served as a board member on the First National Bank of Platteville and as superintendent for the Grant County Fair. She was an active member of the Quota Club, PEO, 4-H, Wisconsin Master Farmers, Farm Bureau, and Church Women United. She answered the Pregnancy Hotline and delivered Meals on Wheels to people younger than her.

Wilma treasured her family deeply. She loved to play cards with anyone willing to sit down at the table with her. She would often set up elaborate crafts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren and teach new games, how to sew, cook and helping yearly with 4-H fair exhibits. These children will forever remember her prized malts and Mickey Mouse waffles. She adored slumber parties, trips and watching her granddaughters get “Love Grandma” tattoos in 2023 while they spent the time fighting over who was Grandma's favorite. Her 90th Birthday trip to Cozumel was an unforgettable time for over 20 people that celebrated with her. She spent decades at Lake Joy with her family and friends that meant so much to her. Wilma taught and shared her countless talents and skills with so many people touching numerous lives for generations. She would say “I am a Jack of all trades, Master of none. If she can't do it, it can't be done.”  She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and her willingness to serve God and others. Her strong faith has gotten her though many hardships.

She is survived by her daughters Rita Stanton & Jim, Nancy & Tom Butson, and Peggy Elwell; 11 Grandchildren: Julie (Reed) and Troy Adrian, Lori (Reed) and Phil Garthwaite, Todd and Carrie Reed, Kerry & Erin Stenerson, Kirk & Lisa Stenerson, Shannon and Amy Butson, Kim (Butson) and Scott Mcphail, Josh and Jen Butson, Kelly (Butson) and John Herbst, Denise (Elwell) Valley, Jesse Elwell; 22 Great Grandchildren and 12 Great Great Grandchildren; Son-in-law Jim Reed, two sisters Ila McKee and Edna Relic and numerous nieces and nephews

Many knew her as Grandma Wilma, even if they were not related at all.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur (1981), daughter Carol at the age of 5 in 1959 of cancer, daughter Sharon Reed (2020), son in law Bill Elwell (1998), son in law John Wacker (2019), brother Clyde Butson, and sister Betty Baker. 

Per Wilma's requests, please no flowers. If desired, send donations to St Croix Hospice or the charity of your choice. 

Thanks to St. Croix Hospice, for the passionate care and support. Could not have done it without Moms' wonderful team. 

Please join the family for fellowship and sharing of memories of Wilma Oct 11, 2025 at the Gathering Point 6732 Hwy 81 Platteville from 1:00-4:00. 

Melby Funeral Home is serving the family.