Wilda M. Gingrich

Wilda M. Gingrich, 94, of Eureka, IL, formerly of Roanoke, IL passed away at 9:10 pm on Monday, July 13, 2015 at Maple Lawn Health Care, Eureka. She was born on April 27, 1921 in Lowpoint, IL to Rudolph "Rudy" and Esther (Reeser) Garber. She married Virgil W. Gingrich on December 15, 1940 in Metamora. He died on December 9, 2007. Surviving are children Ellis (Greta) Gingrich of Eureka, Dr. Roger (Patty) Gingrich of Barrington, NH, Jean (Rev. Leon) Stutzman of Kalona, IA, Joyce (Bob) Zehr of Eureka, Beth (good friend Tom Egert) of Cobden, IL, Ross (Nancy) Gingrich of Roanoke; twenty grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren with one on the way; and siblings Richard Garber of Eureka, Leslie (Velda) Garber of Washington, and Ferne Onken of Colfax, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law Bruce Frank. Wilda was above all a woman of faith, a farmer's wife, and a keeper of their house and family. She was active with the Farm Bureau and Home Extension and volunteered with the Eureka Hospital Auxiliary and Et Cetera Shop, having received recognition from President Bush for over 4,100 hours of volunteer service. Wilda had sold BeeLine and Dutchmaid clothing; she also operated a complete wedding catering service. She enjoyed quilting, each grandchild receiving a quilt, sewing, cooking, baking, gardening, and reading recipe/cookbooks. Wilda was richly involved with Sunday School teaching and the Mennonite Relief Sale. She and her husband, Virgil, served with many Mennonite Disaster Service projects over the years throughout the United States. They also enjoyed travels to many destinations as rewards for accomplishing sales goals with FS (Farm Services). Virgil and Wilda and their family welcomed many Fresh Air children as well as foster children to their home. They have left a lasting legacy of hospitality and faith. A visitation for Wilda will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2015 at the Metamora Mennonite Church. A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday morning, July 18, 2015 at Hickory Point Cemetery in Metamora with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am at Metamora Mennonite Church with the Reverend Leon Stutzman, Reverend Doane Brubaker, and Reverend Jon Byler officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Maple Lawn Health Care or Noah's Ark Preschool at Maple Lawn. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.