Wilma Charlene LaForce

Wilma C. LaForce, loving mother, wife, sister, and friend, of Prescott Valley, Arizona went to be with the Lord Jesus and all of those she loved who had gone before her, on January 4, 2023. Wilma was born the only girl with three brothers to Lon and Carrie Franklin in Ironton, Ohio on February 3, 1934. She moved with her family to Phoenix, Arizona as a child. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School. Wilma experienced much poverty and loss as a child. She lost two sisters who died as infants, and her own mother died when Wilma was twelve years old. She spent her growing-up years struggling to be a teenager and also caring for her family and household like an adult at the same time. As a young adult, she worked very hard to support herself. So much of her life was filled with struggle. She married and had two children, a son and a daughter. Wilma was a Christian woman who loved the Lord and taught her children to do the same; she instilled Christian values in her children. She was a loving mother who made so many sacrifices for her children. She spent much of her mothering life as a single mom, sacrificing and working very hard as a waitress and a secretary to support her children; she always provided what they needed, and sacrificed whenever she could to give them some of the things they wanted. It often broke her heart with tears when she had to tell her children she couldn’t afford something that she knew was their hearts’ desire. In 1974 Wilma and her family moved to Southern California, which she loved, and remained there until she retired. Shortly after retiring, Wilma moved to Cottonwood, Arizona, where she met Bruce LaForce. She often said that her friends in California thought she was out of her mind and marveled as to why she would want to move to Cottonwood! But it proved to be meant to be, as this is where she met Bruce. They were married not long after, and bought a house in Prescott Valley. They soon grew to adore each other, and he was the finest husband and gave her the most wonderful life she had ever known. She often said God saved the best for last! Bruce and Wilma enjoyed twelve very happy and exciting years together. Wilma loved traveling, cruises, adventure, going to the movies, shopping, reading, and belonging to a church. She always dreamed of being a fashion designer and an interior designer – and she had quite a gift for both! Wilma also had a gift for making people laugh, and people enjoyed being around her. She loved kindness and helping people. She was a beautiful lady inside and out, one of the finest, and strongest women I’ve ever known. She will be missed. Wilma was my Mother. She said to me once, “All that will be said about me is, ‘she was born, she lived, she died’”. That was how she saw her life, and it was like a knife in my heart. When it came time to write my Mom’s obituary, I promised her I would do my best to write one that would honor her life and honor her. Mom, I hope I have done what I promised. Arrangements entrusted to Sunrise Funeral Home

Wilma Charlene LaForce

February 3, 1934 - January 4, 2023