Wilma Janet (Cook) Windes, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Oakview Nursing and Rehab with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 23, 1939, in Burton, Ohio, the daughter of Ralph and Rosa (Gwaltney) Cook. She married Harold “Bill” Windes in 1985 and together they loved taking trips out west. Wilma’s fondest memories included those adventures until Bill’s passing in 2007.
Wilma enjoyed growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she sang in the choir at North Presbyterian Church, played the piano, went to movies, and worked at Kresge’s Department Store. Living among families of Polish, Slavic, Hungarian, and other backgrounds sparked a lifelong appreciation for people and their cultures. After moving to Mt. Carmel, she embraced a different way of life, quickly learning to love fishing and camping, canning vegetables, picking blackberries and pecans, and helping with farm chores—never even afraid of snakes. She enthusiastically supported her children’s 4-H projects and Scouting activities and was known for her homemade noodles and turkey stuffing. As her family grew, Wilma worked at the Mt. Carmel Garment Factory, cooked at the Elks Club, and later, after earning her associate’s degree in business from WVC, worked at Lyntronics Electronics Shop. She also enjoyed researching her family genealogy with her mother and sisters and proudly traced her lineage to Francis Cooke, a Mayflower Pilgrim.
Wilma will be remembered by her children, Chuck (Jody) Hillyard of Mount Carmel, Dean (Vicki) Hillyard of Mount Carmel, Gail Hillyard (Don) Daniel of Petersburg, IN, and Jay (Tracy) Hillyard of Mount Carmel; grandchildren, Kira (Ryne) Morris, Andrew (Presley) Hillyard, Brooklynn (Matt) Lezon, Taylor (Samantha) Hillyard, Ben (Amanda) Hillyard, Caleb (Daniele) Daniel, Addison Moler, Shelby (Gabe) Trimble, Zac (Quinn) Clayton and Emma (Dakota) Smith; great grandchildren, Winston, Kellan, Joanna, Gabe, Wyatt, Aidan, Presley, Ryman, Emma, Isaac, Oaklie, Evelyn, Oliver and two great grandchildren on the way; sister, Rosalee (Bob) Vance; and brother, Curt (Dana) Cook.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; previous husband, Dick Hillyard; infant son, Johnny Hillyard; siblings, Nancy Lewis, and Jackie Cook.
A Celebration of Wilma’s Life will he held at a later date.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Oakview for the compassionate care Wilma received, with special thanks to April and Savannah, though
she truly appreciated them all. The family also thanks Residential Hospice Company for their kindness and support. Wilma was especially happy to share her days with her roommate, Jo, and the two watched out for one another. The family is also deeply grateful to the Keepes family for their care and assistance with final arrangements.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Wilma’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Windes family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
