Wanda Mae Gilson, age 94, of Ottawa Lake, Michigan, formerly of Port Charlotte, Florida for 42 years. She was born on April 19, 1920 to Benjamin and Lottie (Oliver) Rendel in Dundee, MI. Wanda was one of the original “Rosie the Riveters” working at the plant in Ypsilanti, MI. She worked for Revco as a welder for many years in Deerfield, MI and worked at Punta Gorda Medical Center in the dietary department in Punta Gorda, FL. Wanda loved the outdoors and keeping her yard tidy. She was a lifetime member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and loved the Lord. Wanda read her Bible every morning and was always optimistic and saw the “cup half full.” She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Charles F. Gilson; infant daughter, Mildred Ella Gilson; brothers, Vivan and Roy Rendel; and sisters, Velma Hirst and Viola Randolph. Wanda is survived by her loving children, Charlotte (Jack) Herman, Gary (Marchita) Gilson and Debra (Dennis) Timms; grandchildren, Julie, Kevin (Gail), Leisha, Melanie (Scott), Cassandra, Marcus, T’Mia, Derek (Courtney), Devin and Deidre; great-grandchildren, Terri (Subash), Joshua (Anita), Amanda, Kevin (Melissa), Ambyr, Jarrod, Joseph, Danny, Daniel, Jason, Brandon, Samantha and David; great-great-grandchildren, Emmy, Ellie and Aiden and one on the way; sister, Mabel Partlo; brother, Benjamin (Bonnie) Rendel, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Toledo First Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4909 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623. Inurnment will be in Deerfield Township Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Association or the ALS Foundation.