Wilma Francis Marikos

Wilma Francis Marikos, 96, of Harlingen TX, died Monday, October 23, 2023.

Born Wilma Francis Heath July 8, 1927, daughter of George and Lavida Heath, in Lawrenceville, IL. She was a graduate of Bridgeport High School.

Wilma was a long-time resident of Champaign IL where her children were raised, and she worked as Advertising Manager for Goldblatts Department Store. Her love for being on or near the water was evident with summer weekends spent at the local lakes water skiing with the family. In 1978 she moved to South Padre Island, TX, with her future husband William Marikos where she assisted the family construction company. They spent 22 years on the Island enjoying the bay and fishing. Her health issues resulted in a move to Harlingen TX in 2000, and their interest turned to golf.

She always enjoyed music, dancing, playing cards, spending time with friends, and travel. She and Bill toured Mexico, Alaska, the Southwestern US and Greece, and, of course, took many junkets to Nevada.

Wilma was preceded in death by her youngest daughter Julie. She is survived by her husband, William Marikos, brother James Heath and family, children Rem Vail and Bonita Vail, Janis and George Demetrulias, Ben and Diane Vail, Ivan Labombarbe (Julie’s Husband) and their families, stepchildren Steve Marikos, Mike Marikos, Beth Sexton, James Marikos and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11th  at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers please send donation to Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org