Submitted by: Dan Rich

Wilma Henrietta Hockett

May 28, 1909 - Oct. 26, 2006

South Bend Tribune 11/13/2007
WALKERTON - Mrs. Wilma Henrietta (Casey) Hockett, 98, of Panama City, FL, formerly of Walkerton and LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully in Panama City. She had moved there in 2002 to reside at the St. Andrew's Center on Jenks Avenue. Born in 1909, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Geneva (Stickley) Casey-Groshans of Walkerton, IN, and the granddaughter of early pioneers (Stickleys) and great-granddaughter of Carlyles in the area now called the Island near Walkerton, IN, where they settled in the 1840s. Wilma was the oldest surviving of five children including her twin brother, William. She was always a vibrant, active woman that people enjoyed encountering. She had a quick mind with a strong spirit, and enjoyed those around her. Wilma was also an avid sports fan, and in high school had played well on the Walkerton women's basketball team. She was a devoted mother, and is remembered with love. Supportive and strong, and always passionate in embracing life, she was a very special woman and mother. Her children were a most important aspect of her life. Wilma was also active in LaPorte Little Theatre, singing in the 1st Methodist Church choir, attending meetings at the Order of the Eastern Star, and interacting with her family and many friends. She also always maintained her connection with the Walkerton area where many close friends resided and her family and ancestors had lived. Entering the newspaper business as a linotype operator while still in high school for the Walkerton Independent, Walkerton, IN, she went on to become very skilled and well respected as she accomplished work at the LaPorte Herald Argus newspaper and then later for the Gary (Indiana) Post Tribune from which she retired. Her experiences made her a valued worker, and one who others enjoyed working with, and respected greatly.

She is predeceased by her former husband (divorced 1952) George G. Hockett; son, George D. Hockett; son-in-law, R. Budman Farrar; and an infant granddaughter. Survivors include a son, Roland Hockett of Panama City Beach, FL; a daughter, M. Joyce Blahnik (Don G.) of Peoria, IL; seven grandchildren, Marcia (Jerry) Amm of St. Louis, MO, Jay Farrar of Indianapolis, IN, Marla (Greg) Dell of St. Louis, MO, Todd Farrar of Indianapolis, IN, Merri Kay Farrar of Terre Haute IN, Chris Hockett of Tallahassee, FL, and Roxanne (Chris) Combs of Auburn, AL; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; six nephews, two nieces, and all of their children.

A memorial service will be held for Wilma Hockett on Nov. 16, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. in the Walkerton United Methodist Church, 1000 Georgia St. (corner of John Glenn Drive and Georgia Street) in Walkerton, followed by a gathering to place her remains near her mother and father in the Walkerton Cemetery. Phone for the church and Pastor Charlene Allen is (574) 586-2315. Kent-Forest Lawn, 2403 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405, is handling arrangements.