Wilma M. (Alber) Mynning, age 92, of Dexter, MI, died peacefully at home after a period of declining health. Daughter of Dorothy (Finkbeiner) and Julius Alber, Wilma was born July 5, 1928 at home on the family farm in Clinton, the youngest of four children.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Florence Harvey, Paul Alber, and Ella May Smith; her husband of 70 years, Russell J. Mynning; and a son, David R. Mynning.
Mrs. Mynning is survived by a daughter, Rosemary Downer (Thomas); grandson, Paul Roberts (Karen); and great-grandchildren, Janie, Sophie, and William Roberts. Other survivors are her sisters-in-law, Jacqueline McGinn and Dorothy Alber, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Following graduation from Saline High School in 1945, Wilma found employment as a bookkeeper in Ann Arbor. She was living with her sister and brother-in-law, Ella and George Smith, in their home located on Pratt Road, just down the road from a family named Mynning. Whether by design or luck, Wilma met the love of her life when Russ Mynning was hitchhiking, and she stopped to give him a ride home. Russ and Wilma were married on December 27, 1947 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, and were together for 70 years until Russ’ death in 2018.
Wilma was an avid gardener and cook, skilled seamstress, joyful dancer, committed organizer of family events, savvy card shark, and exceptional raconteur. She was kind and generous to her extended family, and a dedicated volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dexter. Wilma was a woman of faith, love, determination, and purpose. She often said, “With God, all things are possible,” but also, relying on her own fortitude and pluck, “Where there is a Wilma, there is a way!”
Special thanks to: Family for their prayers, support, love, and laughter over the years; Paul and Karen Roberts; Betty Raab, for hands on assistance, especially in times of need; the good neighbors at the Cedars of Dexter; Father Brendan and parish members from St. Joe’s Church; Wilma’s caregivers from Our Family Friend; and Arbor Hospice for their kind care.
A private memorial service and burial are planned. Donations in Wilma’s memory can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, MI 48130, the Arbor Hospice Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
