West Bloomfield, NY: Wilma Jean Duliba was born September 11, 1938 and died at home, surrounded by her children, on November 26, 2020. Jean was born in Morgantown, Indiana to Hershel and Helen Smith. From the time she was young, she was very close to her older brother, Don (Susie) Smith, and her younger sisters, Chris (Mike) Maloney and Nancy (Tom) Michel. The family moved to Rochester, NY, where Jean graduated from East High. Her first job was as an office worker at Hickok Belt. She also worked at Sibley’s and Kodak before becoming a full-time homemaker. She later managed Mike’s Pizza in Lima, NY.
Through the years Jean served in a variety of capacities, including as a Sunday School secretary; the head of the Vacation Bible School, Church Beautification, and Social Committees; a Ladies’ Sunday School teacher; and the Ladies’ Retreat coordinator, all at Lima Baptist Church. She also served briefly as the school secretary and as the advisor to the Class of ‘93 at Lima Christian School. She and Bob were avid LCS sports supporters. Jean also served on the LeTourneau Christian Center board and the Blessed Hope committee. She loved ministering the love of Christ to women and was privileged to be a mentor to the Women of Worship group.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in 2018 and is survived by her three children: Karen (Jim) Conlon, Kristi (Larry) Werner, and Rob (Sarah) Duliba; fourteen grandchildren: Elizabeth (James) Raub, Tony Conlon, Anna (Chris) Harvey, Abigail Werner, Benjamin Duliba, Joseph Conlon, Emily (James) Baisley, Samuel Conlon, Robert Duliba III, Nathan Duliba, Katelynn Duliba, Ryan Duliba, Evan Duliba, and Matthew Duliba; and one great-granddaughter, Elliana (and there’s a great-grandson on the way).
A service with overflow seating will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, December 5 at Lima Baptist Church and will be live-streamed through the church’s website ( limabaptist.org ) for those wishing to join the family in remembrance virtually. The service will not be available online later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lima Christian School (1574 Rochester Street, Lima, NY 14485) or LeTourneau Christian Center (4950 East Lake Road, Rushville, NY 14544).