Gwendoline Stillwell

Gwendoline Louise Ward Dudley Stillwell died May 13, 2011 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Gwen was born December 8, 1922 on the family farm in McBain Michigan. She was the daughter of Harry and Gwendoline Ward. The family moved to a new farm in St. Johns when she was 8 years old.
She was a graduate of St Johns High School, Central Michigan University Teaching program and Michigan State University with a Bachelors degree in Education. Gwen started her career teaching in a one room schoolhouse and from there continued teaching primarily K-3 in Holt and Okemos. The majority and the last position of her career was spent teaching 1st grade at Wardcliff Elementary in Okemos, Michigan. She was popular among parents and children alike. She retired in 1975 and considered going to Law School but decided to take care of her grandchildren instead. She did this lovingly for the next 30 years. Her passions in life were her husband and grandchildren. C. Duane Stillwell was her soul mate and the love of her life for 47 years. He preceded her in death in 2009. She had 5 grandchildren and more recently a great grandchild.

Gwen had many interests and hobbies including: sewing, crocheting, weaving, gardening and cooking. She made homemade bread every week for years. She was a voracious reader and devoured the Wall Street Journal everyday as well as everything else she could get her hands on. A romance novel probably never passed through her hands as she would consider that a waste of time. Along with her husband, they developed an interest in politics and actively participated in the Libertarian Party and Tea Party movements. They ran for office, supported candidates and wrote numerous letters to the editor concerning subjects they were passionate about. Gwen was a life long intellectual but loved her family above all else.

She is survived by: her daughters Mary McPhail (David) and Christine Dudley-Marling (Curt); her five grandchildren: David Maxwell McPhail, Jacob McPhail, Dessa McPhail, Anne Dudley-Marling (James), Ian Dudley-Marling and one great grandchild Avery McPhail.

Graveside services will be held Monday May 16th at 11:30AM at Lowe Cemetary, 5688 Lowe Rd, St Johns Michigan. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make contributions may consider either Maple Rapids United Methodist Church or Hillsdale College in Memory of Gwendoline Stillwell. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shelia Gendich and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful assistance in caring for Gwen. To learn more about Gwen and view her Life Story film. Visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/70249 . The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Home.