Wilma B. Kirlin

MASON CITY: Wilma B. Kirlin, 95, formerly of 4 Third St. N.W., Mason City, IA, died Thursday, May 21, 2009, at the IOOF Home, 1037 19th St. S.W. in Mason City. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church WAYside Chapel, 119 S. Georgia, with Rev. Jim Stiles officiating. Inurnment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. The family requests memorials be given to the North Iowa Transition Center, 408 First St. N.W., Mason City, IA.

Wilma was born June 28, 1913 in West Plains, MO, the daughter of H. Earl and Emma (Helton) White. Her family lived in Greenfield, IA. After graduating from Creston Junior College in 1934, she served as Deputy County Superintendent of Schools for four years. In 1938, Wilma married Vernon Kirlin of Fontanelle, IA. They lived in Moneta, Everly and later, Toledo, Oskaloosa, IA and Benton Harbor, MI. In 1949, they moved to Mason City.

Wilma was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on the board of the United Methodist Women and Mission group. She was a Girl Scout leader, board member of the YWCA and a 50-year member of Universal Study Club. Wilma was a tireless activist on behalf of persons living with mental illness. She started the North Iowa Transition Center in 1979. That same year she helped organize the National Alliance for Mental Illness, which supports persons with mental illness and their families, promotes research and advocates for fair laws. NAMI has groups in every state and many countries. Wilma received the Dr. Gerald OBrien Award of Excellence from the North Iowa Transition Center in 2003. In 1999 she was honored at a national convention in Chicago as a founding member of National Alliance for Mental Illness.

While living at The Manor, Wilma enjoyed bridge, playing the piano, Bible Study and sewing.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Vernon Kirlin of Mason City; son: Larry Kirlin of Elgin, IL; daughter: Karilyn Parrott (Joel) of Gurnee, IL; grandchildren: Kristen Parrott (Cavan Fang) of Viroqua, WI, Tim Parrott (Larissa) of Carlsbad, CA, and Sean Kevin Stouffer (Kate) of San Diego, CA; great grandchildren: Frances Parrott of Carlsbad, CA and Sean Stouffer of San Diego, CA.