Wilma Goertz Obituary

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Wilma Louise (Riggall) Goertz, age 95,a loving mother, remarkable woman and cherished friend. Wilma's journey on earth came to an end on August 25, 2025 with her children by her side. Her nurturing spirit, unwavering support and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Wilma was born in Beardstown, Illinois on June 28, 1930, the third of eleven children born to Edwin Raymond and Lucy Louise (Taylor) Riggall. She graduated from Beardstown High School in 1948, a member of the Senior Class along with 74 other classmates. Wilma met Roger Goertz while he was visiting his Aunt and Uncles who lived "around the corner" from her Beardstown family home. They married on November 11, 1948 and had 3 children during their years together. The family lived in Clayton, Illinois, Glasford, Illinois, and Pekin, Illinois until they settled in Quincy Illinois in 1962. Wilma was a quiet, gentle person who could also be quite funny and a delightfully bit feisty at times. She was small in stature but enormously big in heart. Ironically, in June of 2000 at her 70th Birthday Celebration, she was accidentally given the name "Big Grandma" by a four year old Great Grandson who mixed up the words "Great" and "Big" resulting in the name that has lasted for more than 25 years. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, working word puzzles and reading. She loved hummingbirds, the color blue, playing Bingo and collecting silver spoons from all over the country. She was also a wonderful cook and baker, especially when it came to pies -apple, lemon meringue and chocolate were the favorites. Wilma moved to Beaufort in 1985 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. While in Beaufort, she accomplished many things to be proud of. She began working at Beaufort Surveying and after living with her youngest daughter and husband for a time, she bought a lot and had a house built. The house was located at 164 Brickyard Point South on Lady's Island and the entire family was so proud of her! After many years of hard work, Wilma earned her retirement in 2006. Wilma was a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church for many years, active in WELCA and The Golden Wanderers. She was especially fond of the adventures she had traveling with the Wanderers like going on a Cruise, visiting the Grand Canyon, exploring Las Vegas and the beautiful Cypress Gardens. She also made quilts with the church quilting club. She loved being of service whenever and however she could. In later years, she was especially proud of being a member of "The Back Pew" gang who became her dear, loving friends. Wilma is survived by her sisters Ruth Reid of Springfield, Illinois and Annis Gerner of Bakersfield, California, a son, Gary and wife Catherine (Mehl) Goertz of Irmo, South Carolina, daughter Linda and husband Butch Bloomer of Bluffton, South Carolina and daughter Janet and husband Jeff Gresham of Lady's Island, South Carolina, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren in addition to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and 1 sister. Wilma was a sweet, kind soul who deeply loved her family and friends. We all miss her terribly but find comfort knowing she is at peace with her Lord and Savior and reunited with those who left this earth before her. SERVICES: Rites of cremation were accorded at Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, South Carolina. The inurnment of ashes will be a private service for the family only at Anderson Funeral Home. MEMORIALS: In memory of Wilma Louise Goertz, her family invites you to honor the love she had for her church with contributions to St. John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, South Carolina 29907 in lieu of flowers.