Wilma M. Brauchler, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Mansfield Care Center at the age of 91. Born October 3, 1935, in Newville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Brice and Pauline Davis Bemiller. Growing up, Wilma earned the nickname “Honey” because of her sweet disposition. It was a fitting name that followed her throughout her life and one that those who knew and loved her would always remember.
A 1953 graduate of Butler High School, Wilma began her working years in the accounts payable department of the Flxible Company in Loudonville. On October 15, 1954, she married Edward L. Brauchler, and together they made their home in Mansfield for a short time followed by 27 years at their home in Lexington. Their marriage would span 70 years, built upon the simple and enduring blessings of family, commitment, and a lifetime of shared memories.
When their children were young, Wilma devoted herself to being a wife and mother. She found great purpose in caring for her family, making a home, and seeing to the needs of those she loved. It was a role she embraced wholeheartedly. As her children grew, Wilma returned to the workforce, selling cosmetics at J.C. Penney and Lazarus before later working at Kell Hardware in Lexington.
Retirement brought Wilma and Ed a new chapter in Florida. They settled in Cape Coral, where they enjoyed many years together in the sunshine, surrounded by warm weather and the many beaches that made their adopted home so special. Wilma even found herself back in the workforce, this time in the bakery at Publix in Fort Myers. Eventually, she and Ed returned to Mansfield, bringing with them a lifetime of memories and the enduring bonds of family.
Wilma’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. Before moving to Florida, she was an involved member of Lexington Grace Brethren Church, where her faith and fellowship were important parts of her life. Her family, however, remained her greatest earthly joy. She loved taking care of those around her, and the kitchen was often an expression of that love. Baking and cooking came naturally to Wilma, and there was something special about the care she put into the things she prepared for those she loved.
When Wilma and Ed settled in for an evening at home, the television was likely tuned to NASCAR or Major League Baseball. These were simple pleasures they enjoyed together, just as they treasured the many years they shared.
The sweetness behind the name “Honey” was more than a childhood nickname. It was a reflection of the woman her family knew: a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a woman whose faith guided her days. Her life was measured not by the places she lived or the jobs she held, but by the people she loved and the care she gave so freely.
Wilma’s family will cherish her memory, including her children, Edward A. (Karen) Brauchler,, and Cathleen (Don) Byler; her grandchildren, Carla (Brandon) Westfield, Mark (Heather) Brauchler,, Ryan (Seely) Byler, Kristi (Danny) Steech, and Brianna (Conor) Woods; and her great-grandchildren, Jordan (Ryan) Pihl, Jaret Westfield, Caiden Brauchler, Adley Byler, Bryce Byler, Elly Steech, Brock Steech; her great- great-grandchildren, Oliver Pihl and Teddy Woods. She also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Edward L. Brauchler; her stepmother, Irene Wells Bemiller; and her siblings, Clarence “Bud” Bemiller, Retha Lee, Lucille Morrison, Josephine Leech, Dorothy Bittinger, and Vivian Shaffer.
Wilma’s funeral service, honoring her life and faith, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2026, at the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home with Pastor Russell Enzor officiating. Friends may call from noon until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Bunkerhill Cemetery in Butler.
Memorial contributions may be made in Wilma’s memory to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Ohio through the following link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/userchoosefundgiving. Donation envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to the staff of Mansfield Care Center for the kindness and care shown to Wilma over the past several years.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to care for Wilma and serve her family. To share a fond memory or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Wilma’s obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to care for Wilma and serve her family.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
