Wilma Jean Chandler, 90, of Milroy, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on February 8, 2026. She was born on April 21, 1935, in Greensburg, Indiana, the daughter of Jesse and Lenna (Bruner) Maple.
Wilma was a devoted homemaker throughout her life. She took great pride in caring for her home and family, and she especially loved being outdoors. She enjoyed working in her yard—continuing to mow well into her 80s—tending her garden, and nurturing her flowers. She also found joy in knitting, crocheting, and creating things to share with those she loved. Above all, Wilma cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A faithful member of Milroy Christian Church, Wilma was active in a church group that baked and delivered cookies and other goods to residents in nursing homes—an act of service she deeply enjoyed.
On December 21, 1966, Wilma and James William “Bill” Chandler were united in marriage, and together they built a warm, loving home.
Wilma is survived by her children: Wanda “Darlene” Roberts, William Ray Dyer, Brenda Kay Powers, James Michael Dyer, Betty Jean Zapfe, Phyllis Ann Bolden, and Ronald Wayne Dyer; her stepchildren: Carolyn Chandler, Gail Wilder, and Fred Chandler; 32 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Janet (Frank) Schreiner, Floyd (Sue) Maple, and Shirley Voegele; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Chandler; her children, Joann Woolston and Robert Charles Dyer; and her siblings, Charlotte Thompson, Charles Maple, Don Maple, and Barbara Maple.
Family and friends may gather for visitation on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Milroy Christian Church, 201 E. Main Street, Milroy, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at East Brook Cemetery in Milroy.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Diabetes Foundation.