Dates
Wilma Joyce Ripple Lichnovsky, 89, of San Angelo, Texas, died on February 21, 2024.
Wilma was born April 12, 1934, in San Angelo, the first child of Frank R. and Helen (Young) Ripple, Jr. Soon after graduating with the San Angelo High School Class of 1952, she married Eldon Joseph "E.J." Lichnovsky on July 13, 1952. Wilma lived in San Angelo throughout life and thrived in the motor freight business. Beginning as a secretary at Merchant Motor Lines, she soon joined Sunset Motor Lines and remained with the organization and its successors for 44 years. From 1986 until retirement in 1996, Wilma was manager of the San Angelo terminal for ABF Freight System, performing direct sales and supervising the efforts of as many as 30 office personnel, loaders, and drivers. Breaking through the glass ceiling, she was her region's sole female terminal manager and one of the USA's first female motor freight terminal managers. Although busy with her full-time job, she found time to take continuing education courses in Real Estate and Finance at Angelo State University, resulting in a plunge into the residential rental business she was actively involved in until her death.
Wilma (aka, Sis, Mom, Gram, Grammy, More Gigi) was the matriarch of a family she loved dearly. She taught us all the value of hard work, independence, and, most importantly, the value of family and loving one another. Wilma enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, walking, touring, and dancing, and she was always ready for a casino trip. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time and going on trips with her family and friends. Her love of family extended beyond her direct circle, and she always looked forward to the annual Gus Young family reunion, where she stayed connected to her extended family.
At a San Angelo High School reunion in 1998, she renewed her friendship with classmate Charles Koberg, and they became partners and traveling companions for the next 20+ years. Wilma was a past member of the Wall Brethren Church, Concho Pearls Lions Club, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, Elks Lodge, NDTA, and the San Angelo Singles Club. She volunteered at Lion's functions, including Rodeo concessions and pancake breakfasts. She also volunteered at the Meals for the Elderly and The Salvation Army.
Her parents, her husband, a stepson Randy W. Lichnovsky, her brother-in-law Jerry Martin, her nephew Michael Martin, her son-in-law Charles "Skip" Harless III, and her special friend and companion Charles Koberg preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters Katherine Harless of Irving, Kandis Binyon of San Angelo, Diana (Bill) Perkins of San Angelo, and Tonice (Don) Hulse of Saint Augustine FL. There are seven grandchildren: Christopher (Brandon) Womack of Coronado CA, William Harless of Los Angeles CA, Brandi (Robert) Mapel of San Angelo, Whitney (Justin) Garay of New Braunfels, Cody Binyon of San Angelo, J.D. (Cortney) Hulse of Birmingham AL, and Jordan Hulse of Avondale AZ. She leaves seven great-grandchildren: Braxton Womack, Kasen Garay, Kinsley Garay, Presley Harless, Collins Mapel, Harper Hulse, and Hayden Hulse. Her sister Priscilla Martin, nephew Kenny Martin, and niece Tammy Easterly of OK. She also leaves the extended families of Judy Lanzafame, Ruth Lichnovsky, Charles Harless IV, and Ely Harless.
A special thank you to Dr. Kristy Edwards and Staff and Brandy from Visiting Angels for their care and support.
Visitation will be at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 2:00-4:00pm. Graveside services will be Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00am at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
The family requests donations, instead of flowers, to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houston Harte Expy, San Angelo, TX, 76903 or Shriners Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.