Wilma Fern (Evans) Beach, 85, of Rising Sun, Ind., passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at The Waters of Rising Sun. Wilma was born in Ohio County, Ind., on March 19, 1939, a daughter of the late Mildred Fern (Myers) Evans Etherton and James William Evans. The family moved to Switzerland County when Wilma was a young child. She attended school there and was a graduate of Patriot High School, Class of 1957. After graduation Wilma began working as an operator for Cincinnati Bell. She was later employed by Aurora Casket Company and worked in the interior department, retiring in 1986. Wilma was a devout Christian and faithful member of Rising Sun First Baptist Church. She was also a former member of Salem Hilltoppers Home Economics Club. Wilma enjoyed crocheting and loved playing the piano. She also liked watching sports and was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Indiana Hoosiers. Wilma was known for her kind and caring nature. She was a loving, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and beloved sister and aunt. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but they take comfort in knowing her suffering is at an end and rejoice that she stands in the presence of her Savior.
 Wilma is survived by four daughters: Debbie Denning (Joe) of Pekin, Ill.; Denise Elder (Kevin) of Dillsboro, Ind.; Deanna Beach of Aurora, Ind.; and Dolly Cole (Daniel) of Aurora; by her son, Rodney Beach (Raynell) of Aurora; by grandchildren: Sara Cole, Joe Denning (Jennifer), Cory Elder (Becca), Joe Cole (Shelby), Matthew Denning ( Rachel), Devin Elder (Brad Busse), by step grandchildren; Niki Sohmer (Robert), Jenny Wise (John), Cory Selmeyer (Denise), by great-grandchildren: Rhett, Elliott and Oliver and by step-great-grandchildren: Jace, Sean, Gracie and Christian. Wilma is also survived by three sisters, Hazel Huffner of Rising Sun; Donna Eisenman (Dave) of Rising Sun; Alice Craig of Rising Sun; and by a brother, Bill Evans of Rising Sun; and by many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
 Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun with Rev. Jim Jenkins officiating. Public Visitation will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at Markland Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Rising Sun First Baptist Church or The Waters of Rising Sun Activity Fund. marklandfuneralhome.com.