Wilma I. Burson

Wilma I. Burson, age 100, a long-time resident of Dover, died Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2013, in Schoenbrunn Healthcare, New Philadelphia.

Born Oct. 20, 1912, in New Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Maude Dutton Edie. Wilma attended school in New Philadelphia, and married John Burson in 1931. The couple reared five children and shared twenty-three years together before John's passing in 1954. Wilma went to work for Dover Molded Products, being the first woman in the company's employ. She often said that she could do any work that a man could do. Wilma ultimately retired from Alsco in Gnadenhutten.

She attended the Salvation Army of Dover-New Philadelphia for many, many years. Wilma was caring, loving and non-judgmental, and was a trustworthy confidant. She taught her children not to speak ill of others; "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything," she would often say. In addition to looking after and being with her family, who were a priority, Wilma enjoyed gardening reading and crocheting.

Living in an age where many women did not drive, Wilma willingly taught her friends how. She did not feel that women should feel trapped at home or dependent. She taught her children and a few of her grandchildren how to drive as well.

Survivors include her three daughters, Erma "Jackie" Labus of New Philadelphia, Dixie Incarnato of Dover, and Sally (Jim) Stickley of El Cajon, CA; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her dear cousin, Ruthie Maurer of Columbus; and her nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and her husband, John, Wilma was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Edie; her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Florence Burson; her grandson, Chuckie Wright; her sons-in-law, John Wright Sr., Max Edie, Ralph Labus and Joe Incarnato.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday, May 3, 6 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 4, at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Charles Burrier officiating. Burial will be in Dover Burial Park, with the committal by Pastor Frank Sapp of Jerusalem Church, New Philadelphia. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Wilma, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that contributions in Wilma's memory be made to the Salvation Army, 809 Emmett Ave. N.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Ste. E, Uniontown, OH 44685.