Wanda Ruth Gifford

Wanda R. Gifford, 77, of New Buffalo, MI passed away Sunday, October 4, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 9, 2015 at Bible Baptist Church, 7 E. Clay St., New Buffalo with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Friends may visit Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the church and again Friday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church. Those wishing to sign Wanda’s guestbook may do so online at www.sommerfeldchapel.com. Wanda was born June 2, 1938 in Terra Haute, IN to Alexander & Louise (Howes) Wilkie. She was a graduate of New Buffalo High School in 1956. She worked as a teacher’s aide at New Buffalo Elementary for 32 years before she retired. She most recently was volunteering at the school. On December 28, 1957 she wed Darrell Gifford in New Buffalo. Wanda was a very active member at Bible Baptist Church where she was head of the Nursery, the Cheerful Wigglers Group, Jr. Church and the Nursing Home Ministry. She was involved with the Bread of Life Ministry, sung in the choir, was the financial secretary, and the treasurer/advisor of Ladies Missions Fellowship. She was an avid reader and loved crafts of all kinds, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Darrell; children Ron (Kathleen) Gifford of Indianapolis, John (Dawn) Gifford of Greensboro, N.C, Shari Fergison of Niles, Michael (Linda) Gifford of St. Joseph, Rebecca (Reinhard) Fitz of Eau Claire, Timothy (Lori) Gifford of Allendale and Linda Gifford of New Buffalo; 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; siblings Helen Miller of Orlando, Esther (Carl) Baer of Cherokee, AR, George (Carol) Wilkie of Anchorage, AK, Nancy (Bob) Hughes of Cherokee, AR, and Morris (Denise) Wilkie of Bremen, IN and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Jamie Nelson on August 26, 1998.