BIOGRAPHY

Wilma Arnold was born in Agency, Iowa, USA, on 11 October 1914, to parents Cecil Herbert Miller (1889–1967) and Nita Musgrove Proctor (1893–1986). She had five siblings: Marvin Earl Miller (1917–1958), Carl, Kenneth, Mildred Haines (1922–2013), and Berniece Long.

Wilma graduated from Ottumwa High School and spent a year teaching at a country school before marrying. On 9 March 1935, at 20, she married Glen L. Arnold. She was widowed on 9 September 2003, after 68 years of marriage. The couple had two sons: Eugene and Dennis Arnold. As a farm wife, she tended to chickens and maintained a garden. Later, she worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Ottumwa Hospital.

Wilma Arnold passed away in Ottumwa, Iowa, on 26 February 2025, at the age of 110. She was survived by four grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of Iowa.

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* Cecil Herbert Miller – Find A Grave

* Wilma Arnold Obituary – Reece Funeral Home (Ottumwa, IA)

GALLERY