Margaret Wilson: 1921 – 2009
Margaret “Grandma” Wilson, 88, a resident of rural Columbia City in Smith Township, died at 12:30 a. m. on Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the home of her son north of Larwill following an extended illness.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Fort Wayne on February 27, 1921, a daughter of Clem F. and Margaret Edith (Wolford) Neher. She spent her formative years in Fort Wayne and graduated from North Side High School in 1939.
On December 7, 1940 she was married to Howard W. Wilson, and had lived at her present home in Smith Township in Whitley County for the past 61 years.
A 34 year employee of Sprint, she had worked there as a telephone operator, and retired in 1981 as an executive secretary. She was later employed at McDonald’s in Churubusco, and was affectionately remembered as “Grandma” to the staff and patrons there.
She attended the Churubusco United Methodist Church, and in her leisure time enjoyed needle work, quilting, reading, ceramics, fishing and also enjoyed traveling.
Mr. Wilson preceded her in death unexpectedly on July 2, 1981.
The surviving relatives include her children Pamela Hinrichs and Cynthia A. [David] Crooks, both of Churubusco, James L. [Ann] Wilson of Decatur, Carl A. [Bonnie] Wilson of Larwill, Kenneth E. [Lana] Wilson and Keith E. Wilson, both of Pierceton, Jon H. [Cheri] Wilson of Spencerville, and Kevin P. [Sharon] Wilson of Philadelphia, Penn; 34 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister Naomi Parks; two brothers Jim Neher and Eugene Neher; and by two grandsons.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday, August, 24, 2009, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev Corinne K. Boruff, pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday from 2 to 8 p. m., on Sunday from 2 to 6 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Monday afternoon.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6324 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Wilson’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
August 21st, 2009 at 3:54 am
Pam and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Grandma. She touched so many lives and had a huge impact on mine. I thought of her often and I am sure she will be missed. May the thought of her passing on to a better place bring you comfort in your time of loss.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:02 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
“Grandma” was a special lady and I enjoyed working with her at McDonalds. Her smile, personality, and
love of life inspired us all. She always brightened the early morning hours for the entire crew. She will be remembered by many people. God bless you all.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:13 am
Dear Wlson Family
I was sorry to hear of Margaret’s death. I worked with her for many years and have many wonderful memories. I often called her Mom. She was a wonderful lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
To the family & friends of Margaret Wilson,
Gene & I both worked with Margaret for many years at Sprint and found her to be a great co-worker and also a great friend. May God bless all of you.
Gene & Carol Patterson, Scottsdale, AZ
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:21 am
I am so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. In this life there are just a few truly wonderful people. Margaret was one of them. A rare Jem! I used to love it when she would come see me every year. I would look forward to her visits and schedule extra time just so I could listen to her adventures from the prior year. The spunk that this lady had. I aspire to be like that at her age! I will miss her greatly. To all of her family I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking about you through this very difficult time.
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
my mother caroline jackson work with your mother at the phone company we have very fond thoughts of margaret she was a great person and always interested in my art and drawings i did our thoughts are with you and her
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
To the Wilson family.
I’m so sorry to here of your Margrets passing. When I started at United Telephone Co in Columbia City in 1965 as a phone operator I got the honor of working with and knowing your Mom! What a great lady! I was a kid right out of school and she amazed me that she could do so many things! And the knitting needles! I had never seen anyone knit that fast!
I’m sure she will be greatly missed!
God be with you
Becky Hyde South Whitley, IN
August 24th, 2009 at 9:56 am
To Keith and family.
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Although I didn’t know her my thoughts are with you. I’ve lost contact with you since phoenix but you can call me I’m in Ft. Wayne and would like to hear from you. I’m in the phonebook but here’s my number (260)482 2254. I will look forward to hearing from you Keith.
Your friend, Jeff Spitler