Wilma E. (Pletcher) Penwell, 98, of Bloomingdale began her heavenly journey on April 25, 2010.
Wilma was born on April 16, 1912 in Minden City, Mich. She was the third of seven children born to William Jackson and Kathryn (Wilson) Pletcher.
She was active in the Maccabee’s, Methodist Church Women’s Guild and Sewing Circle.  She was one of the early “working moms,” enjoyed cooking, sewing and other handcraft activities. When she retired from J.C. Penney Co. in Niles she became a foster grandparent, sharing her “grandma wisdom” with youngsters at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.  Later on, she also spent time “rocking and loving” babies at Pawating Hospital in Niles. For family gatherings, a favorite request was apple pie slices, and she always had time for that treat.  She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends, knowing she’s finally “home.”
She married Harve L. Penwell in September 1932. They had four children. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Her parents and five siblings, Genevieve, Alice, Edna, Bernie and Jack, preceded her in passing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harve; daughters, Kathleen (Kay) Bodjack, Brenda (Ann) Martin; and grandson James (Jamey) Wilkens.
She is survived by her brother, William (Bill and wife Jean) Pletcher; her children, Dale (Kathy) Penwell, Chambersburg, Pa. and Ruth Ellen Wilkens, Portage, Mich. Also surviving are grandchildren, Nicki Jo Wingaert, Toni Kay (Fred) Bruegmann, Amy (Jesse) Yaloff, Linda (Jordan) Celkupa, Michael Penwell, Kathryn (Scott) Picchiottino, Deborah (Michael) Fleetwood, Kirk (Kim) Martin, Matthew (Theresa) Martin, Joseph (Yvonne) Wilkens and Jonathan (Bonnie) Wilkens. Wilma is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Those who love and miss her are 14 great-grandchildren and one expected great-great-grandchild.
Family will receive friends at the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com, on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at noon for visitation with service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or the Activities Department at Meadow Woods Nursing and Rehab Center.