Wilma Japp

Funeral service for Wilma Japp will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Meridian Mortuary; interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Wilma Laurene (Trail) was born October 8, 1923 in Thornton, Wyoming to Charles Clinton Trail and Dotte Belle (Gordon) Trail. She passed away on January 18. 2020 with her family by her side at home. She had two sisters, Opal Fay and Elsie May that died before she was born. She had a brother, Reo Clinton who was two years older than her. He proceeded her in death at the age of 97. She was also preceded in death by her husband and granddaughter. She loved horses and her special horse “Clipper”. Her dad trained horses and she helped him diligently. She liked the outdoors better than being inside. She liked being a trick rider at rodeos. She was known for riding a horse through fire hoops while her best friend Della did tricks on her horse. They were supposed to appear at Belle Fourche but Della’s horse “Dan Patch” died.

She met “Smokey” Japp at a dance in Upton and they were married November 17, 1941. They had two children Georgia Evelyn and Kenneth Clinton which became the most important parts of their lives.

She helped Smokey when he went to work in the oilfield. He bought her a special pair of overalls which she wore quite often. They were a great pair together. One of their favorite things to do was go gamble at Deadwood, which she continued to enjoy for many years. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She will be missed for her sweet smile and her wit that was immeasurable. A memorial has been established per her request to Newcastle Ambulance Service. A celebration of life for Wilma will be observed after the services at the VFW on West Main. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 South Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com