Wilma E. Koss, 87 of Taylorville, formerly of Effingham, a woman who cherished her faith and family, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on May 22, 1939, the daughter of Clarence and ReEllen (Macklin) Pontious. She married Robert L. Koss on October 20, 1957, in the Altamont First United Methodist Church.

Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family as much as her faith. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville. Wilma will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being “Ol Geema” to her great-grandchildren. “Goodbye is not forever. It simply means that I’ll miss you until we meet again.”

She is survived by her children: Connie Lynn Schmidt (Nick) of Lewisville, Texas, Deanna Jo Strahl (John) of San Antonio, Texas, and Cristie Sue Kesterson (Jeff) of Taylorville, Anthony R. Koss (René) of Ringgold, Georgia; grandchildren Nicholas W. Lock, John M. Strahl III, Wesley Jo Strahl (Luisa), Taryn E. Strahl, Chelsea M. Prehn (Ryan), and Lucas R. Kesterson (Holly); great-grandchildren: Madeline Prehn, Lillian Prehn, Elliana Prehn, Casey Kesterson, Avery Strahl, and Leah Kesterson; one brother, Norman Larry Pontious; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and nine siblings.

Visitation will be held from 10:30a.m. until 11:30a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at McClure Funeral Home, 302 W. Poplar Street, Taylorville, IL. The funeral service for Mrs. Koss will follow, at 11:30a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at McClure Funeral Home with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating. A graveside committal service will take place at 2:00p.m. on Tuesday at the Union Cemetery in Altamont. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.