Wilma Huhn

Wilma Louise Huhn, 94, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at her home, following a lengthy illness.

Wilma was born Nov. 29, 1925, in Marston, Missouri, daughter of James W. Griffy and Hattie Loraine Pinor.

She earned a teaching degree from Southeast Missouri State Teachers College and embarked on a career as a high school home economics teacher, teaching girls everything from how to sew a swirly summer skirt to how to put a delicious and nutritious meal on the family dinner table. Wilma held teaching positions in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Delta and Grand Tower, Illinois.

It was on her way home from Grand Tower to Marston that she met a handsome young man who managed the bustling Greyhound bus station on South Spanish in Cape Girardeau. True to her fashion, Wilma traveled in the style of the day: dress, tasteful pumps and, of course, a hat. Norman Huhn set out to win Wilma's heart. Romance blossomed, and Aug. 6, 1949, the couple married in St. Louis.

After teaching for a number of years, Wilma joined Norman in Sunnyland Travel, an agency he founded in 1960 as the country discovered the joys of leisure travel. Sunnyland Travel thrived, spinning off to become Panorama Travel in the 1980s. Wilma and Norman escorted many tours, including one tour to Europe, returning home with memories that would last a lifetime.

Wilma was an excellent cook, and like all excellent cooks, the kitchen was hers. Meals always brought rave reviews, particularly her chicken and dumplings. Wilma's crown rib roast won a coveted feature in the Southeast Missourian.

Wilma enjoyed spending time with her family and sharing travel adventures with them. She was a voracious reader. When great-grandchildren came along, Wilma could often be spotted at Barnes and Noble selecting books and educational materials for her young crew. By far, grandson Will was the apple of her eye. She took great joy in his accomplishments, especially his most important accomplishment -- raising his children with solid, lasting values.

She was a longtime member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Wilma is survived by a son, James Henry (Jodi) Huhn of St. Louis; daughter, Debra Kay (Charles) Devers of Cape Girardeau; grandson, Will (Misti) Otto of Marble Hill, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Dallas, Samantha and Gus Otto; great-stepgrandchildren, Brianna (Brendan) Calvert, Aric Hobbs and Christian Johnson; great-great-stepgrandchild, Karter Calvert; sister, Betty Higgins of Cape Girardeau; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Felicia Griffy of Edgewater, Florida; and a stellar, compassionate team of caregivers who made it possible for Wilma to remain in the comfort of her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Huhn; brothers, Louie and Jim Griffy; and brother-in-law, Ray Higgins.

Graveside service for Wilma Huhn will be at 1 p.m. today at Cape County Memorial Park. Family and friends are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to LCHAD Research, in care of Dr. Thomas Morgan, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37232.

Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.