GARYALYNN RUTH WILHELM

TULARE – Birthplace: Lynwood, CA
Most recently lived in Tulare, CA
Garyalynn’s highlights:
Career: Administration Asisstant.
The best thing about Garyalynn: Garyalynn was a class act, with an inane ability to make
people feel heard and loved.
Garyalynn’s parents: Lee and Maxine White of Tulare. Both deceased.
Survived by: Husband Willie (83), son Randy (56) wife Angie (58), and daughter Jani (54),
also grandchildren Kevin (28) with wife Dani, Rubie (21) fiancé Alex, Kelsey (22), and great
granddaughter Laila (5). She is also survived by a sister Diana (74), her husband Chris (72),
and their kids Alissa, Garrett, and L.C.
Garyalynn’s pets’ names: Binky, Muffin, Maple, and Layla.
High school: Garyalynn graduated from Tulare Union High in 1960, after just turning 17,
due to skipping a grade earlier in elementary school.
After high school, Garyalynn married Willie Wilhelm and moved to Goleta Beach, CA as
Willie went to work with SCE. As some may know, they had two preemie babies together
who passed away soon after birth, before adopting Randy and Jani in 1968 and 1970,
respectively. Throughout their years, Garyalynn made sure Jani got to tumbling and dancing
classes on time, while also keeping score for Randy’s football, baseball, and basketball
games (which Willie coached).
In 1976, the family moved back to Tulare to be with family and friends. After a few years,
Willie and Garyalynn bought Eastside Liquor and Deli. Willie retired from SCE, to devote all
of his time to the store and Garyalynn went to work for Tulare City Schools. She continued
to work in some capacity for the school district and county office for over 30 years, while
also being Eastside Liquor’s account/bookkeeper for many of them! As Garyalynn and
Willie grew older together, they both retired to make time for many, many, adventures to
unknown places. They visited destinations such as Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Colorado, The
Panama Canal, Tahoe, Washington DC, and Alaska. Throughout Garyalynn’s life, her
unwavering love of her husband Willie, her family, God, and country are what make this
special lady hum along. Rest peacefully now sweet girl as your battles have ended, but your
legacy of Love and sacrifice shall forever endure.
Favorite bands and musical artist: Elvis, John Denver, Neil Diamond, Bee Gees, Luke Bryan
and Jason Aldean.
Favorite place in the world: The mountains, oceans, and Mexico! Anywhere on earth with
good friends, family, and her dog Layla.
Favorite TV shows: Blue bloods, Yellowstone, Longmire, and any house renovation show.
Favorite sports: Any sport her kids or grandkids were playing.
Interesting facts about Garyalynn: Garyalynn had an inane way about her that would make
you feel safe, heard, and above all else, Loved. Garyalynn loved her church. Until unable to
do so, she enjoyed her Sunday morning service and the camaraderie of her church family.
She loved spoiling her dog, Layla.
Services have been entrusted to Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Service. A church service will
take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM at United Methodist Church, Tulare,
CA. Following with a burial at Tulare District Cemetery on Kern Ave, Tulare, CA.

To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.