Wilma L. Beyer, 92 of Akron, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday (March 24, 2025) at Wells Hospice Buffalo, Beechwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Amherst, NY.
Wilma was born on February 15, 1933, in Flint, Michigan, as the first-born daughter of the late Arthur W. and Wilhelmina Ruth Thomas Blake. Shortly after her birth, the Blake family moved to Buffalo, where her father worked for General Motors.
Wilma’s mother passed away in 1940, leaving behind Wilma and two younger sisters, Jackie and Ruth Ann. The two eldest girls lived with relatives on the Blake family farm in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, until their father remarried in 1942. The newly blended Blake family included Wilma’s stepmother, Doris, step-siblings Betty Ann and Evan Tyler, and later, a half-sister, Sally.
Attending Amherst High School, she excelled in sports and played the lead role in her school play. Every summer, she visited the family farm in Honesdale. Helping with chores, she herded dairy cows, tended gardens, cooked, sewed, and knitted. Wilma also developed a love for driving and operating tractors, trucks, trailers, boats, and cars. Additionally, she learned to square dance and polka and developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
During her junior year of high school, Wilma met and fell in love with Donald Maurer. After graduating, she began training at the Millard Fillmore School of Nursing while Donald worked at General Motors. Donald enlisted in the Army when the Korean War began and was stationed in Germany for two years. Meanwhile, Wilma completed her nursing education. Married in 1955, they welcomed their only daughter, Patricia, in 1956.
Wilma and Don shared a loving marriage enjoying many activities, such as camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and Buffalo Bills football games. They were both active members of their local volunteer fire company. Wilma served as a longtime president and lifetime member of the North Bailey Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a semi-professional bowler, winning several tournaments.
A devout member of Trinity Old Lutheran Church in Amherst, Wilma sang in the choir. She was known for her natural beauty—tall and slender with a distinctive gray streak in her hair from a young age. She never colored her hair or wore makeup, except for lipstick. She also modeled as a “Mother of the Bride” for Benton’s Bridal Salon in Buffalo, along with other local stores.
Wilma took great pride in her nursing career and maintained her RN license for life. She had a deep interest in health and wellness and was an original participant in the groundbreaking “Women’s Health Initiative” study at the University at Buffalo.
In 1980, Don passed away from pancreatic cancer just one month before the birth of his first grandchild. Wilma cared for him at home with support from the Buffalo Hospice Program. It was a difficult time for her, becoming a widow at such a young age. At the time, she was working as a school nurse at her alma mater, Amherst High School. She kept busy with her job, friends, and family.
A few months later, Wilma was introduced to Dick Beyer, the new wrestling coach at Amherst. They quickly became close friends, attending many school events together. Having been blessed with a second love, they married in 1983 and built a home in Akron, NY. Dick worked as a physical education teacher and coach for Akron Schools, while also maintaining his career as a professional wrestler; known worldwide as "The Destroyer" and "Doctor X". Wilma fully embraced her new role as "Mrs. Coach" and “Mrs. Destroyer.” They traveled extensively nationally and internationally enjoying new friends, beaches and various outdoor activities.
Wilma was highly recognized as Dick’s strong support as he received numerous awards and honors in both Japan and the United States. Even after retirement, they continued traveling for events and charity endeavors. However, their happiest moments were spent at home, surrounded by friends and family. Their home became a hub for large gatherings, featuring swimming and backyard cookouts, where everyone was treated like family. Wilma continued her gardening expertise and was widely known for her “green thumbs”; able to make anything grow.
Wilma and Dick left a lasting legacy in the Village of Akron and Western New York, dedicated to serving the community and its youth. They were active members of the Akron-Newstead Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Relay for Life, Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund, Akron 1st United Methodist Church, and One Church Akron. The couple was always willing to organize and assist in charity and fundraising events for various community needs. Two highlights were taking youth wrestlers from WNY, for over 20 years, for annual wrestling tournaments in Japan and two Akron HS Swim Teams to Japan for cultural exchange.
Wilma was predeceased by husbands, Donald N. Maurer (1980) and Richard J. Beyer (2019), and her siblings, Betty Ann Stradtman and Evan Tyler.
She is survived by her daughter, Patti Murray (Marc Schrenk) of Eggertsville; stepchildren, Kurt Beyer of Buffalo, Kris (Chris) Jones of Akron, and Richard (Amy) Beyer of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Lisa (Chris) Bonner, Kelly (Glenn) Friedel, Laurene (Adam) MacTaggart, Brent Schrenk, Garrett Jones, Grace Beyer, Grant Beyer, and Lucy Beyer; great-grandchildren, Charles, Marshall, Selah, Liora, Petra, and Rory; and her sisters, Jacqueline Harten, Ruth Ann Berger, and Sally DeLong. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Wilma’s legacy is one of love, service, and dedication to her family, friends, and community.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share their thoughts, condolences, and fond memories on Friday, May 23rd, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 32 John St., Akron, NY. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 24th, 11:00 AM at One Church, 6 Scotland Rd., Akron, NY 14001. She will be laid to rest at a later date in White Chapel Memorial Park in Tonawanda.
Memorial contributions in her name may be offered to the Western New York Hero’s, www.wnyheroes.org/get-involved/donate/. Expressions of Sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
