Wilma Smith Booles, 97, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Graveside services, directed by Kilpatrick Funeral Home, will be held Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 2 oclock in Greenwood Cemetery with Reverend Rolly Walker officiating.Wilma was born in Braxton, Mississippi, on April 28,1919. She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Lizzie Smith, sisters Birdie Smith and Winnie Smith Cooley, and granddaughter Amy Leigh Myers.Wilma was a graduate of Crosley Elementary, Ouachita Parish High School, and Northwestern State University. She earned a master degree from Oklahoma State University and was the first person to earn a specialist degree in education from Louisiana Tech University. She was a retired business education teacher from Ouachita Parish High School, Louisiana Tech University, and Ruston High School.Wilma was married for 48 years to Joseph Robert Booles, who preceded her in death. Surviving relatives include a niece, Cindy Cooley Clark (Mike) and a step-daughter, Cheryl Booles Myers (Dave) of Ruston. Other relatives include a granddaughter Jennifer Myers Yates (Troy) and children Kennedy and Kaden of Fulshear, Texas; great-niece Melissa Clark Whitworth (Andrew) and children Sarah, Drew, Michael, and Katherine of Choudrant, and great-nephew Jeremy Clark (Shelley) and children Tanner and Hayden of Ruston.Wilma was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church as well as a former member of the Rachel Circle of United Methodist Women and the Abundant Life Sunday School class. She had held membership in Lincoln Parish Retired Teachers and Louisiana State Retired Teachers and was also a charter member of the Lincoln Parish Genealogical Society. She and her husband enjoyed genealogical research and produced several family history books that she loved to show to her friends.The family thanks Barbara Kimble for her special care of Mrs. Booles while she lived at The Arbor and also Dr. Mark Blackwelder and his nurse, Kim Edmiston, who provided her medical care for many years. Special appreciation is extended to Margaret Ann James, Rusty Green, Michael and Catherine Ramsey, as well as the members of the Abundant Life Sunday School class at Trinity United Methodist Church for their visits, cards, notes, special treats, and flowers. Your remembrances during the past years brightened many of her days. We also thank Wanda Shelby for the faithful love, attention, and countless acts of kindness shown to Wilma during her time at the Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. For the compassionate care she received from Premier Hospice, the family offers deepest appreciation.Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Clark, Dave Myers, Jeremy Clark, and Troy Yates.Online condolences may be made to the family @ www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.