Wanda Louise Aardema, 68, of Kalkaska, died at home Sun, Oct 12, 2000, surrounded by her family, following an extended illness.
Mrs. Aardema was born May 9, 1932, in Greenup County, KY, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (McDowell) Payton. On Dec 27, 1950, she married Allen Aardema, who survives.
Wanda was a retired banker. She opened the Northwestern Savings & Loan Association branch in Kalkaska, retiring as vice president in 1993. She was the assistant cashier of the Bellaire State Bank prior to that.
Wanda was actively involved in her community as well she was elected as a school board member of the Central Lake Public Schools, Central Lake Township Supervisor, and a member of the Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners.
She was politically active. Wanda was appointed by then-Gov. Blanchard to serve on the State-Mental Health Advisory Council.
She served on the Economic Development Commision/Industrial Development Commission in Kalkaska and
Central Lae. She was a real estate broker and a certified assessor. Wanda was active in the Kalkaska Kiwanis Club and was past Worthy Matron in the Order of the Eastern Stars.
Wanda was a people person. She loved working with the public and especially her "senior" friends. Wanda also took troubled teens into her home, helping raise 12 young ladies in addition to her own children.
Wanda will be sadly missed by her husband Allen, and children, Randall (Patricia) Aardema of Richland, Nancy (William) Edginton of Traverse City, Kim (William) Ruble of Carlisle, Ohio, and Tammi (Edward) Rogers of Traverse City; grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Joseph and Ben Aardema, Nicole Edginton, Kaci and Randy Roach, and Maggie and Eddie Rogers. Also surviving are sisters, Martha Watson and Nancy Oliverious; brother Bud Payton; sisters in law, Trudy Aardema and Marguerite Emerick; as well as many very special nieces and nephews.
Two sisters and four brothers preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held at the Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska Oct 19. Interment took place at Southern Cemetery in Central Lake following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Slvation Army or Hospice.
