Wilma J. (Smelser) Neal

Wilma J. Neal, 92, of Yorktown, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.

Wilma was born on June 9, 1933, in Muncie to the late Harold Oliver and Lettie Corinne Smelser. She was a graduate of Muncie Central High School and went on to attend Comptometer school and later took classes through Ball State University. Throughout the years, Wilma worked for Muncie Chevrolet, Dr. H. Allen Neal’s Private Practice, and Family Practice at Ball Memorial Hospital. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Muncie and enjoyed playing Bridge at the Muncie Senior Center.  She loved her family fiercely and made sure to tell each member how much she loved them no matter where she was.   She often ended a conversation with, “See you later, alligator.  In a while, crocodile. GRRRRRR!” as well as saying, “ I love you!” repeatedly to see who could be the last one to say it.  She was the matriarch of the family and loved dearly by all her family as well as many close friends.   We are grateful for her strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are thankful that we know that we will see her again. 

Wilma is survived by two daughters, Patricia Gale (husband Jerry) and Marsha Brunett (husband Jeff); daughter-in-law, Sandy Neal; nine grandchildren, Autumn Lewandowski (husband Ben), Taylor Neal (wife Jen), Allison Neal, Jason Whittemore (wife Christine), Amber Swinehart (husband Jody), Elizabeth Li (husband Kevin), Anna Farmer (husband Matthew), Luke Brunett, and Andrew Brunett (wife Hannah); 11 great- grandchildren; two sisters, Rema Louise Whitaker and Joan Burt; and several nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband , Harold Gene Neal; son, Dr. H. Allen Neal; and granddaughter, Christy Lea Whittemore.

A funeral service to celebrate Wilma’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 309 E. Adams St. in Muncie. Pastor Jonathan Balmer will officiate. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Wednesday, at the First Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Wilma to the First Baptist Church, 309 E. Adams St., Muncie, IN 47305.

Share a memory and leave your condolences at www.gantfuneralhomes.com

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