Wilda Ruth Nobis, 95, of O’Donnell, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Tahoka, Texas. She was born on December 31, 1930, in O’Donnell to Theodoric Benjamin Franklin and Ona Faye Trimble Franklin.

Wilda was a lifelong educator who dedicated 47 years of her life to teaching sixth grade. She graduated from high school in 1947, at the age of 17 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1952. In 1972, she earned her master’s degree in education. She continued teaching until her retirement in 1985, when she retired due to the loss of her vision.

Wilda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in O’Donnell. She enjoyed watching Texas Tech and Kansas City Chiefs football, playing bingo and dominoes, and, perhaps most of all, loving on puppies. She will be remembered for her dedication to her students, her love of family and friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her years of teaching.

She was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Franklin Nobis, in 2019; her brothers, T.B. Franklin in 1976, J.O. Franklin in 1989, and Harold Franklin in 1992; her sisters, Vera Faye Hill in 1989, Lillian Kountz in 2010, Nancy Stinett in 2010, Annie McKinzie in 2020, and Kathryn “Jackie” Wilson in 2026; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; as well as three nephews and two great-nephews.

Those left to cherish her memory are her granddaughter, Ashley Nobis Wagner, her husband, Ray, and their son, Charlie Wagner, of Lakewood, Ohio; her brother, David Franklin of O’Donnell, Texas; 10 nieces and five nephews; and numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service at First Baptist Church in O’Donnell will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Wilda’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lynnwood Assisted Living, Donetta Walker, RN, Bristol Hospice, and Delores Elias, LSW for their compassionate care, kindness, and support of Wilda during her time with them.

Wilda’s life was one of dedication, perseverance, faith, and service. Her legacy will live on through the countless students she taught and the many people who were blessed to know and love her.