Alice J. Wilkins

Alice Josephine (Coder) Wilkins, 90, formerly of St. Joseph, was born to Lawrence and Rose (Berwanger) Coder in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Now she has passed from mortal life to the arms of her beloved Creator on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at her home in Gaylord. A lifelong resident, for the most part, of the twin cities, she with her spouse, Ralph, raised four daughters by their union through the late 50’s and 60’s. During the Great War she was president of the War Wives Club, a volunteer service under the auspices of the Red Cross. Her entire life was devoted to her family, her Church, and then her work at Whitcomb Towers for 12 years. Here she oversaw the front desk where she dutifully tended to the retirees needs until 1985. She then did a succession of volunteer work for Mercy Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and the Lincoln Township Library. After finally retiring in 1991, her life then as before revolved around her daughters, her grandchildren and her beloved Church. Her faith in the Lord sustained her in later years in a marriage crisis and during other sorrows. But she remained resolute to stay the course which she did with determination and her head high. Preceding her in death were her beloved Parents; a brother, Donald Coder and a sister Loraine Jones. Left behind are her daughters-Marlene Sagers of Gaylord, Mary Alice (Bob) Moore of Mancelona, MI, Gail (Larry) Roberts of Gaylord, Priscilla Rushton of Livonia, MI. A surviving sister Evelyn (Ron) Murphy of Stevensville; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews also remain. Her indomitable spirit and beautiful smile imbued many souls during her lifetime. She will be sorely missed. The family will respectfully receive her friends at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday, with the Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Her life’s journey will be celebrated with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave., Benton Harbor, with Fr. William Jacobs, Jr. officiating. In keeping with Alice’s wishes, please leave memorials to St. John-St. Bernard Parish Building Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.