Acenith Wilder

Although her life was filled with numerous experiences that greatly enriched her life’s journey, there was nothing that was more prominent in the life of Acenith Wilder than the love she shared with her family. She was a gracious and gentle woman whose first thought was on others rather than on herself. A devoted wife and mother, Acenith took these roles to heart, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her richest reward. Generous and loving, she was a firm believer in being honest in all things, but everything was always expressed in a loving way. Life was not without times of trial for Acenith, but she faced whatever came her way with a quiet strength and a graceful courage that were truly inspiring. She will be deeply missed, but her shining legacy that is deeply rooted in timeless wisdom will be carried on in the lives of all who follow in her footsteps.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. The years that followed ushered in the Roaring Twenties that were primarily a prosperous time. Radios, washing machines, and affordable cars manufactured on assembly lines were all signs of the time, and Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh forever transformed the world of flight. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1922 that was filled with great joy for Nary and Mabel Johnson as they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new baby as spring finally began to emerge on the small community of Hartford, Michigan. The big day finally arrived on April 20th when their baby girl drew her first breath. Acenith was one of four children in her family, and she was raised in the family home on Schaffer Lake alongside her brother, Nary, and her sisters, Verna and Helen.

In many ways Acenith experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. Her parents were hard working farmers, and as a result she learned a strong work ethic as a young girl as she was responsible for her fair share of chores. As a student Acenith attended a local country school. In her free time she enjoyed swimming in the lake. For the rest of her life Acenith always fondly remembered her formative years. She went on to graduate from Hartford High School in 1939.

New and exciting changes were in store for Acenith when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 60 years. His name was Harold Jay Wilder, and they met at a dance at the Grange Hall. He was smitten with Acenith right from the start, and he asked her to dance. Always a gentleman, he had the courage to ask her father for permission to take her home despite the fact that her father could be a bit intimidating as he was very large in stature. The couple began dating, and it wasn’t long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Acenith and Harold were united in marriage on August 30, 1941.

After a couple of years, Acenith and Harold purchased his family farm from his grandpa in 1943. They had 193 acres, mainly harvesting grapes. Acenith spent the remainder of her days living on the farm, and she loved every minute of it, too. With farming in her blood, she had no problem working out in the field alongside her husband while also seamlessly caring for their home and family that grew to include four children, Kenneth, Carolyn, Robert, and Marlene. When it came to feeding her family, Acenith always made everything from scratch with her homemade donuts, grape pie, green bean casserole, homemade breads and cinnamon rolls, and Swiss steak being just a few of the family favorites. Acenith always had a huge garden, and she canned many of their fruits and vegetables so they would have fresh produce to enjoy year round. Sundays were always accompanied by a huge spread when the entire family gathered together. As a family the Wilders looked forward to vacations at the end of August so that Harold could escape from the hay fever season. Most times they went to Chippewa Lake or Lake Placid in Kalkaska. When they were older, Acenith and Harold took their fifth wheel to Mission, Texas, for the winter.

As her family grew to include grandchildren, Acenith couldn’t have been happier. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and was close to each one of her grandchildren. Priceless memories were made on the farm, and both Thanksgiving and Christmas were especially precious times as everyone gathered together to celebrate life and love. After Harold died in 2004, Acenith was deeply saddened and took a couple of years to adjust being on her own, but she remained independent and loved keeping busy with her family and friends. She enjoyed good health for several years.

Throughout her like Acenith was always busy. She loved dancing as well as playing cards with friends and neighbors, bowling, and golfing. Acenith enjoyed country western music, campfires, watching the cattle and birds, and reading both westerns and mysteries. As an avid card player, she was a member of two different card clubs. It was such a thrill when Acenith was able to participate in the first antique tractor crossing across the Mackinaw Bridge. Although she collected sun catchers, ceramic cows, and birds, she kept her collections to a minimum in order to display pictures of her grandchildren throughout her house.

Described as tenderhearted, hardworking, and giving, Acenith Wilder was a blessing to all who were near. She could always find the good in everyone, and her laughter was contagious. Acenith was the heartbeat of her family, and her devotion to her loved ones was unmatched as she would move heaven and earth for them. Acenith was never one to focus on material wealth, rather, her time and attention were spent on loving all who were within her reach. She will never be forgotten.

Acenith Wilder, of Lawton, died on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Acenith’s family includes her four children: Kenneth (Carol) Wilder of Lawton, Carolyn (Barry) Kitzmiller of Gobles, Robert Wilder of Paw Paw, Marlene (Ed) Newington of Coloma; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren; brother, Nary Frank Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. Acenith was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; 2 sisters, Verna Westdorp and Helen Richardson; and a step granddaughter, Shelley Snyder. Learn more about Acenith, view her Life Story film and visit with family and friends on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (657-3870), where services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. Please visit Acenith’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hamilton Grange Hall or a charity of your choice.