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Wilma Chesney

Obituary of Wilma Christine Chesney

Wilma Christine Kitts was born in Powels Station, Tennessee on July 24, 1924.   She was one of three children born from the union of the late Adron Kitts and the late Flossie (Sexton) Kitts.   She made her way to Michigan in the early 1950’s.

Wilma would marry the love of her life, Gordon Chesney, on June 28, 1942 in Rossville, Georgia.   From this union the couple would be blessed with the birth of seven children.   Caring for her large family was Wilma’s focus first and foremost.  

Cooking was always one of Wilma’s favorite activities.   She made wonderful chicken and dumplings and fabulous desserts.   Wilma would bake Christmas cut-out cookies and candies and give them as gifts to pharmacy workers, family doctors and her daughter’s workplace.

Wilma had a large yard and loved to cut the grass herself.   For many years she would walk behind her push mower to accomplish this task.   With her ear buds in, she most recently continued this undertaking from the comfort of a ride-along mower, listening to her favorite tunes.      

Wilma loved Sundays when her girls would visit.   These visits would be affectionately called “holding court” by the daughters.   The family would share stories of happenings in their lives, laugh together, and share spinach dip that Wilma would prepare.   Wilma also loved shopping trips with her girls.   Throughout her life, Wilma, loved animals, and she particularly was fond of small dogs.

Wilma Christine Chesney, age 95, of LaSalle passed away at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 6, 2020.   In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her beloved husband:  Gordon on October 1, 2008; two daughters:  Johnnie Ann Tooley and Barbara Jean Kehrer; son:  Chris Chesney; three grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister:  Geneva Harmond; and brother:  Don Kitts.

To cherish her memory, she leaves four daughters:  Betty Jo Kirkenbush, Rexine (Danny) Langford, son in law: Gary Tooley of LaSalle, Patricia (Joseph) Simmons all of LaSalle, and Cathy Sue Vandercook of Monroe; nineteen grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and many great-great grandchildren.  

Friends may gather from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070.   A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating.  

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.

Monday
10
February

Gathering for Wilma Chesney

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, February 10, 2020
Merkle Funeral Service - South Monroe
14567 South Dixie Highway
Monroe, Michigan, United States
(734) 241-7070
Monday
10
February

Celebration of Life for Wilma Chesney

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday, February 10, 2020
Merkle Funeral Service - South Monroe
14567 South Dixie Highway
Monroe, Michigan, United States
(734) 241-7070