Wilma Creps La Perle

April 18, 1930 – October 13, 2025

Wilma Creps La Perle, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on October 13, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born in Wheatland, California, to Ena Dina Delco and Chester Albert Creps, Wilma grew up in a close-knit farming community where her family raised sheep and grew wheat and later rice. She and her siblings rode their horses to a one-room schoolhouse—an early reflection of her determination and spirit.

A gifted student, Wilma attended Stanford University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Economics as a member of the Class of 1952. After graduation, she returned to Wheatland to teach high school in Marysville. During that time, she was nominated to represent the Nevada–Yuba Land Owners Association in Washington, D.C., where she testified before a U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittee. Her testimony contributed to the successful return of farmland that had been taken from her family and other local farmers to establish Beale Air Force Base during World War II.

While at Stanford, Wilma met George R. La Perle through the Catholic Newman Club. Years later, George recognized her on a Marysville street, rekindling their connection. They were married in 1954.

Wilma and George made their home in Bakersfield, where George, a geologist, established a petroleum exploration company, Western Continental Operating Company. Wilma and George raised seven children together and were married 46 years until George’s passing in 2000.

Wilma devoted her life to her family while maintaining a lifelong interest in economics, finance, and farming. She maintained an active involvement in the family rice farm operations throughout her life, participating in Creps Farm LLC meetings and contributing to farm management decisions as recently as August of this year.

Wilma found joy in holidays gathered around a crowded table, in spirited discussions of current events, in traveling and spontaneous excursions, and in visits to her favorite restaurants—never one to turn down dessert. Above all, she delighted in celebrating the many milestones of her children and grandchildren.

After 66 years in Bakersfield, in 2020, Wilma contracted COVID and moved to Santa Barbara to recuperate with her son, George. She recovered fully and went on to survive a stroke in early 2024. During her last five years, Wilma enjoyed ocean views and sunshine from her residence next to George's home on the Santa Barbara Riviera. Her family visited often and she was cared for by a team of dedicated caregivers who supported her with devotion and grace until the end.

Wilma is survived by her sister, Irene Creps (Adrienne Sciutto); her five children—Julie Bradford (Mark), Irene Wilkins (Jeff), George M. La Perle, (partner Shabnam Sekhavatpour), David La Perle, and Thomas La Perle (Kristina Paszek)—as well as seven grandchildren: Amy, Sarah, Emily, Emma, Justin, Ian, and Alex; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Vivienne, her nieces, Joan Mitchell, Patricia Harris and Melinda Creps, and her great-nephews, Ryan Mitchell and Jalen Woods. She was preceded in death by her husband, George R. La Perle; her brother, David Creps; and her sons, Stephen and John La Perle.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church on October 23 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Catholic Charities.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, friends, and extended community who supported Wilma with tenderness and dignity.