Wanda Jilka
Wanda I. Jilka, 97, Herington, died March 7, 2003, at Herington Municipal Hospital. Born Aug. 17, 1905, at South Haven, she was the daughter of David Luther and Rettie (Tedrow) Zirkle.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Herington, with the Rev. Edward Thompson officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Herington.
Mrs. Jilka was the Herington High School librarian from 1953 until 1971 when she retired. She was a member of Herington United Methodist Church and was the church's organist for over 35 years. She was a member of Martha's Circle; PEO chapter FC; Herington Lioness Club; DAR; and DAC. She also was a member of the Tri-County Arts Association, Tri-County Historical Society, Kansas Historical Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, Kansas Library Association, Retired Teachers Association, and an honorary life member of the Kansas State Teachers Association.
She received her bachelor's degree from Southwestern College and her master's degree from Emporia State University.
She was an author, designed the new Herington High School library, composed music, and a piano teacher. She enjoyed Royal's baseball.
She was married to Robert C. Briix Aug. 10, 1930, in Winfield. They were divorced. On Aug. 20, 1958, she married Frank A. Jilka in Herington, he died Oct. 31, 1987. She also was preceded in death by a daughter Carolyn Joan Lee, brother David Merritte Zirkle, sister Velda Vickery, and her parents.
She is survived by two daughters, Virginia Lowther of Emporia and Bonnie Thompson of McPherson, seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the Herington United Methodist Church.
