Wilma June Gallop

Wilma June Gallop, of Pinehurst, N.C. and former resident of Scottsdale, Ariz. passed peacefully at Fox Hollow on Sept. 11, 2024.

She was born in Ringling on June 10, 1927.  She was the daughter of the late William and Jewel Liles Strange.  Wilma was raised in Comanche and graduated from Comanche High School. Wilma works as a cosmetics and jewelry manager at Goldwater’s Department Store in Scottsdale for 30 years.  Wilma was an active member of many social groups including Guys and Dolls, and Bridge Club.  She was an active member of the Glass & Gardens Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Her favorite hobbies were reading novels, dancing, golfing, knitting and crocheting.

Wilma was a vibrant woman who loved to entertain.  She was a modest lady with funny witty one – liners.  When encountered by strangers or good friends, she always had something funny to say and her words were so intriguing, you were drawn to her to discover more about her thoughts and interests.  She volunteered much of her time (4,000 hours) working as a volunteer in community service in social organizations serving senior citizens in Scottsdale.  Her efforts were acknowledged by the Presidents Council on Service & Civic Participation having two consecutive awards for her volunteer service.

 In 1945, she met Melvin Leon Gallop who had just returned from the Koblenz, Germany where he had fought as an infantry man in the liberation of Europe. She dated Melvin for two years and in 1947, they were married in Hargrove Methodist Church. She was the mother of two children, Diana Butkovich and Ron Gallop. She was the sister of Doris Butler, Fort Worth, Texas and the late Alpha Jouret, Scottsdale, Ariz. and four brothers, Doug, WG, Jim and Don of Comanche, 

She is survived by her four grandchildren, Bradley, Malissa, Jennifer and Melanie and 13 great-grandchildren. Jack, Nicholas, Lucas, Maya, Nadia, Aaron, Maddie, Zachary, Sam, Caroline, Savanna, Colby and Cameron. She will be truly missed. She was a one of a kind, she had a smile and personality that would light up any room.

A celebration of her life will be held in Pinehurst, N.C. for the family and close friends, in November and a memorial service will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak, Phoenix, Ariz. in February.  She will be interred with her husband Melvin.

Memorials may be made in her memory to FirstHealth Hospice and Paliative Care, 150 Applecross Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.