Eunice L (Ming) Wisdom

Eunice Lulu Ming Wisdom was born on January 26, 1927 on the Rosenkrantz Ranch south of Laird, CO.  Her parents were Andrew Jestarus and Lulu Lucinda Ming, and she was the oldest of 5 children, Bob, Sam, Wanda, and Russell.

Eunice spent her early years on the ranch until the family moved to Wray, CO.  She graduated from Wray High School in May, 1945.  Her favorite memory is going to dances, especially the Fall Festival Dance in 1943, when Dale first asked her to join him on the floor.  She was 15 and from that point on, they were inseparable.

High school memories were a little bit different in 1945.  America was nearing the end of WWII and many of the men and some of the ladies were stepping into service for their country when they left high school, and Dale was no exception.  He asked her to marry him in 1944, just before leaving for boot camp.  He called her one Tuesday to let her know he had a very short layover and wondered if she would like to get married next Tuesday.  The answer was a resounding “YES!” and Eunice married the love of her life on October 16, 1945 at the Wray Methodist Church.  After a very short honeymoon in Denver (which they traveled to by bus), Dale shipped out to Germany.

Eunice’s first job was a “hello” girl, working as a switchboard operator until Dale came home from the war.  She also sold Avon for several years.  After Dale and Eunice bought Wray Lumber in 1964, she took care of all the back office secretarial and bookkeeping needs.  Her duties multiplied after Dale’s sudden passing.  Eunice endured many trying years at Wray Lumber but quietly and steadily took the rough times, one day at a time, until the business was back on its feet.  She sold the business and retired in 1996.

Dale and Eunice firmly believed in serving their country and their community.  Eunice remained committed to the Wray Community throughout the years belonging to the Las Viente Club, Wray Alumni Association, Wray Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Auxiliary, Cub Scout leader, and Sunday school teacher at the Methodist Church.

Eunice is survived by her children; Pam (Jim) Coulter, Wray, CO, Michael (Roni) Wisdom, Del Norte, CO, Tim (Jody) Wisdom, Wray, CO, and Dan Wisdom, Wray, CO.  Grandchildren Jesse (Mark) McKinney, Wray, CO, Gabie Cushen, Wray, CO, Lisa (Nathan) Buxman, Columbia, MO, Angie (Mike) Harms, Wray, CO, Stacey (Dan) Gaines, Corpus Christi, TX, and Kathryn Polanec, Budapest, Hungary, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  She is also survived by her brothers, Bob Ming of Aurora, CO, Russell Ming of Highlands Ranch, CO, sister-in-law, Carol Oakley of Rapid City, SD, and brother-in-law Don Wisdom of Wray, CO.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents Andy and Lulu Ming, her brother Sam Ming and sister Wanda McFadden, parents-in-law, Lawrence and Opal Wisdom, step-father-in-law Spencer Newbanks, brothers-in-law Dick Wisdom and Darrel Oakley, sisters-in-law Lois Wisdom and Sandy Ming, and her beloved Dale.

A part of Eunice left us when Dale left her.  She struggled to understand how the love of her life could leave her so suddenly and early.  However, her love for her family and church helped her through this difficult time.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, laughter, joy, and a strong faith in the Lord.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado with Rev. Norman Stott officiating. Interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Wray Volunteer Fire Department. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.