Lynette M. Wilkinson, 85, of O’Fallon, Ill., died Feb. 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Ill. Mrs. Wilkinson grew up with a love for learning and had an adventurous spirit. During her late teenage years, she represented St. Louis in the 1958 New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Parade. Having been selected by readers of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, she rode as the main attraction atop the city's float, Childhood Adventures, which won the national trophy awarded to the most beautiful float in the parade. She pursued her passion for education at Southeast Missouri State University, earning a teaching degree. She especially enjoyed her years teaching first grade in Victorville, Calif., and in Bitburg, Germany. She married Jim on July 15, 1961, in Festus. As the wife of a fighter pilot, she embraced the unique experiences and challenges that came with 16 years of military life, making many friendships along the way. She found joy in handcrafts, genealogy and reading. She loved to retell stories of family history, personal events and the numerous friends of the family. She will be remembered for her dedication to her faith and family. Born Aug. 17, 1939, in Ste. Genevieve, she was the daughter of the late E.M. Stites and Olivia Kist.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years: Jim Wilkinson of O’Fallon, Ill.; three children: Todd Wilkinson of St. Louis, Brent Wilkinson of Peabody, Mass., and Paige Wilkinson of St. Louis; and six grandchildren: Katie Ferri, Kelsey Sanda, Jay Wilkinson, Aidan Wilkinson, Alex Wilkinson and Joe Wilkinson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Basler Funeral Home in Ste. Genevieve.