Donelda I. Wiseman's Obituary
Big Rapids - On July 4, 2015, Donelda Idessia Boyd Wiseman passed away peacefully at home. As a life-long conservationist she was surrounded by her family, birds singing, and the sounds of outdoors. She came into this world on November 29, 1927 in Pellston, Michigan, the daughter of Ralph and Mildred (Flood) Kilpatrick. The family moved locally where she attended elementary school in Pogy and Hersey before entering Big Rapids High School, where she graduated in 1946. Donelda worked in Grand Rapids for awhile after high school then returned to the Pogy area where she married Bruce Boyd on October 1, 1949. As a farmer's wife Donelda raised and showed Arabian horses, was a 4-H leader for her children, nieces, and neighbors and promoted an understanding of the importance of planting trees and respecting nature. She later attended Central Michigan University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, followed by a Masters Degree. She taught elementary school in the Reed City School system for 20 years exposing young minds to more than just what they were taught in books. She would take her classes on field trips to her house where the students would ride a horse, take a nature hike and learn about gardening. Donelda had a green thumb that could grow about anything, whether a tomato or beautiful flowers. She was a prolific canner and shared with friends and neighbors many jars of pickled beets or her own creation of some fruit-flavored jam. As a strong environmentalist, she planted trees by the thousands turning many sand hills into pine forests. She would encourage everyone to plant trees and bushes that would provide bird cover. Then later in life she began planting fruit trees, turning her front yard into an orchard. After the passing of Bruce in 1985, Donelda married Paul Wiseman on November 4, 1988. They were members of Christ Harvest Ministries and very involved in the church community activities. Her faith was very important to her and she would happily discuss the bible with anyone, but always kept an open mind. She was an avid reader and would welcome discussions on books and if you had not read a particular book she liked she would buy you a copy. Donelda also was known to be ready to travel (anywhere) at the drop of a hat. She counseled many young people who came to her for advice and even some who did not, always having pretty strong opinions on a variety of subjects. She was generous with funding and support for those who advocated a worthy cause, in particular the support of kids going to SpringHill or Cran-Hill youth camps. Donelda was always quick to contribute her famous deviled eggs to any potluck or family gathering. Her doors were always open, making her peaceful country home a respite for many to stop by regularly and enjoy a cup of coffee. Surviving are her husband, Paul (Wug) Wiseman; children, Ronca Boyd, Carla Boyd (Phillip) Erlewine, Jon (Barb) Wiseman, and Rex (Nancy) Wiseman; her sister Ruth (Kilpatrick) Deits. Donelda loved to spend time with her grandchildren and take them on trips in her motor home or do craft activites where messes were welcomed. She has seven grand children: Erica Erlewine (Micah) McLaughlin, Adrienne Erlewine (Derek) Shiels, Elizabeth Wiseman (Mark) Solis, Kathryn Wiseman (Ken) McLeod, Justin Wiseman, Rob (Jenilee) Olson, Kristy Olson (Scott) Thompson, and Kerry Olson. She delighted in her great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Donelda was also preceded in death by her sisters Arthea (Kilpatrick) Metcalf and Marilyn (Kilpatrick) Proctor, and two infant siblings. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Lynn Winans officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Donelda's family will greet friends at the funeral home today (Monday) from 5-7 p.m., and prior to services on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Spectrum Home Hospice, The Arbor Day Foundation, or SpringHill Camp, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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