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 years, 138 days. 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 was verified by Eli Logan, and validated by LongeviQuest on 6 March 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* Cecil Herbert Miller – Find A Grave

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

GALLERY