Almond, New York

Wilma F. Root – 92 – of 1 South Main St., Almond (where she has resided for the past 75 years), died Friday afternoon (December 8, 2023) at the Highland Park Rehab & Nursing Facility in Wellsville following a long illness. She had resided at Manor Hills Nursing facility in Wellsville for the past year.

Born in North Bingham, PA on March 9, 1931, she was the daughter of Irving & Bess (Empson) Mullen.

Wilma grew up in the Almond-Andover area and attended Alfred-Almond Central School. She had been employed for a time at Loohn’s Cleaners and later in the food service department of Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred). In her younger years, Wilma was an excellent seamstress who made much of her own clothing. She was also skilled at upholstering furniture as well as knitting & crocheting.

She enjoyed being outside doing yard work and took great pride tending to her flower garden and trimming trees & bushes. She also loved visiting the casinos in Salamanca & Atlantic City and especially enjoyed playing the slot machines where she was known to WIN BIG on occasion.

On January 16, 1959, Wilma married Theodore “Ted” Root who died March 12, 2012 following 53 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, T. Donald “Donnie” Root; her grandson, Eric Drake; her siblings, Harlan Mullen, Onalee Robinson, Robert Mullen, Ruth “Minnie” Changose, Roger Mullen, Alvah Mullen and infant Virginia Mullen.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jerry (Kathy) Drake of Almond and Guy (Eileen) Drake of Wellsville; her step-daughter, Terri Jean Root Jackson of Olathe, KS, 1 brother, James “Jim” (Virginia) Mullen of Wellsville; her grandchildren, Paul (Terri) Drake, Mary Bess (Shawn) Clark, Matthew (Christine) Drake, Michelle Drake, Brian (Clarissa) Drake, Greg (Taren) Drake, Ashley Hirt and Nate (Emily) Hirt; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Wilma’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Wilma’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, (Suite 310), White Plains, NY 10605.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.