Wilma Morehouse

In many ways, Wilma Morehouse brought so much life to the world in which she lived. She had a lot of spunk and could be downright feisty at times, yet she also fostered such a spirit of compassion. Wilma was a dedicated mother to four children whom she adored, and when she later cared for her patients, they benefited from her tender heart as well. She enjoyed many interests throughout her life, many of them along with her true love of over 55 years. Perhaps it will be the “Ello” that greeted those who called her house or maybe it will be her great sense of humor, but for those who knew Wilma, their lives will never be the same for having loved such an exceptional woman.

The year 1926 was a year in which innovation and prosperity was abundant throughout the United States. The unemployment rate was under two percent, automobile antifreeze became available allowing people to drive their cars year round, and songs such as “Bye Bye Blackbird,” and "The Desert Song” topped the charts. It was also during this year that Lynn and Violet (Goodacre) DeFriest were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Wilma Jean, on March 27th in South Haven, Michigan. She was the middle child in her family although her older brother Lynn, Jr. died in infancy. Wilma and her younger brother Robert were raised in both South Haven and Otsego during a time in which young boys entertained themselves with cap guns and wooden figurines while girls lost themselves in their pretend world with basic dolls.

Although Wilma attended local schools, she left school in order to follow her heart. She had fallen in love with a charming young man and the two desired to make their love official. His name was Merle Morehouse and the couple eloped and was married on November 21, 1942 in Indiana. It wasn’t long before the family of two expanded into a family of four when Wilma and Merle welcomed the births of their twins, Donna and Donald. The Morehouse family eventually grew to include their son Merl, and with the birth of their daughter Julie their family was complete.

Wilma and Merle raised their children in Plainwell where they remained throughout the rest of their lives. Once her children were in school, Wilma enrolled in Bronson Nursing School where she earned her LPN degree. She initially worked at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell, and then for Dr. Brown in Richland. Eventually she went to work for the Life Care Center of Plainwell where she worked well into her seventies before retiring in the late 1990s.

Although much of her life centered on caring for her family and working, Wilma also enjoyed a wide variety of interests throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. In fact, she was a lifelong member who was there when it was originally formed. Wilma and Merle loved to fish and in 1958, they bought a piece of property on Schnable Lake near Watson Corners in Martin where they spent hours satisfying their love for fishing. She loved to sew and enjoyed quilting as well, and she also collected both snowmen and miniature glass slippers. Wilma was outspoken and enjoyed being social, especially with the numerous friends she met as a member of the Red Hat Society. Merle had his pilot’s license which he used to pilot his plane, the Green Hornet. For many years Wilma and Merle flew to Iowa where they attended an antique aircraft show.

Life greatly changed for Wilma with the death of her beloved Merle in 1999. She drew strength from both her family and her faith during the days that followed, and she also continued to embrace the days she was given. She found great companionship in her cat named "Black Jack". Wilma took bus trips including a couple to casinos and she loved to play cards, especially Canasta and Pedro.

Changes were again in store for Wilma just a few weeks ago when her own health began declining. The following days consisted of several trips back and forth between the hospital and the very same nursing home in which she cared for patients for many years. Eventually, Wilma’s body grew tired and she drew her last breath.

Wilma was an outspoken and opinionated lady when it came to matters she felt passionate about. She was funny and sarcastically exclaimed “Oh goody” when she was faced with an unpleasant task. Wilma delighted in her family and loved having fun with her husband throughout their married life. It was easy to see that her faith was the common thread that was woven throughout her tapestry of time. Wilma was tenderhearted and compassionate toward all those within her reach each and every day. She had a graceful presence about her that will make her so dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Wilma J. Morehouse of Plainwell died on November 11, 2009 at Life Care Center of Plainwell. Wilma’s family includes her children Donna (Jerry) Gorton, Donald (Nancy) Morehouse, Merl Morehouse, and Julie (Harold) Brantley, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Merle in 1999, her brother Robert DeFriest, and her infant brother Lynn DeFriest Jr. Visit with her family and friends, view her life story film, and share light refreshments on Sunday November 15, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). A Funeral will be held on Monday November 16, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; 309 Union St., Plainwell. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to Christian Neighbors or St. Stephan’s Episcopal Church.