Wilma Grace Katko, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2022.

On March 11, 1934, she was born in the backroom of an adobe home in Fort Garland, CO. Wilma was the last Chavez to pass from her family of seven children.

Wilma married the love of her life, Francis Joseph Katko, in Denver, CO., in 1955. She was a devoted wife and mother who divided her valuable time between family, work, and the Catholic Church.

After 26 years of devoted service in the Dietary Department, she retired from the Los Alamos Medical Center.

She had a love of music and enjoyed playing her Casio piano. She spent time listening to her favorite songs and often relayed cherished memories of dancing with Joe while hearing his loud, cheerful laughter.

Wilma never missed Sunday Mass, faithfully attended Adoration, and carefully helped maintain the altar cloths at her beloved places of worship. She faithfully prayed each day for her family and friends, whom she held close to her heart.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Joe Katko, son Francis Jr., daughter Mary Sanchez, grandson Zachary Sanchez, parents Max and Elvira Chavez, siblings, Max Jr., Robert, Louisa Duarte, Leroy, Lenora Apodaca, Anna Roth, nieces, Maxine Duarte, Lucille Chavez, and nephew Randy Chavez.

She is survived by Her children, Mike [Debbie], Mark [Martha], Matthew [Carrie], Marvin [Kim], Max, Maurice [Barb], grandchildren, Miranda, Mitzi, Ben, Lisa, Jesse, Courtney, Gabe, Sam, Marlee, Mo, Kanisha and great-grandchildren, Ty, Adam, Thomas, Kim, Raelynn, Jania, Jameson, Kacie, Chance, Jacob, Ava, and Logan.

A rosary service is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, and a Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 3. Both at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with a reception to follow in Karen McLaughlin Parish Hall.