Arlene J. (WILDER) NIX-OMANS  

Thursday, August 12, 2004
Rochester Sentinel
Arlene J. Wilder-Omans
Sept. 17, 1928-Aug. 9, 2004

Arlene J. WILDER (NIX)-OMANS, 75, of 1681 Lolich Street, St. Helen, Mich., formerly of Culver , went home to the Lord at 2:35 p.m. on Monday.

Arlene was born on Sept. 17, 1928, in Pontiac, Mich., to Andrew J. Wilder and Gladys (Skinner) Lane. She was first married on March 15, 1955, in Lakeland, Fla., to Charles J. Nix for 23 years. She later married Russell J. Omans on Aug. 9, 1991. He survives.

Arlene is also survived by her loving daughters, Deborah (Bill) Pea, Eden Prairie, Minn., Deanna (Jim) Allyn, Argos, and Donna (Eddie) Oquendo, Westfield; sons, Daniel Nix, Birmingham, Ala., and David (Glenda) Nix, Clanton, Ala.; stepsons: Andrew (Cynthia) Omans, Waterford, Mich., Bradley Omans, San Diego, Calif., Jeffrey Omans, Waterford, Mich., and Mark Omans, Anaheim, Calif.; brother, Robert (Johanna) Wilder, Conyers, Ga.; five grandchildren, Daniel and Jonathan Nix, Timothy Allyn, Cara and Elise Oquendo; 11 stepgrandchildren; and 11 stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Geraldine (her infant twin) and Iola Gnadt; brothers, Jim and Edward Wilder; infant daughter, Diana Nix; one stepson; and one stepgreat-grandson.

She was a former resident of the Culver area, former journalist at The Rochester Sentinel and former editor of the Culver Citizen. She was also a journalist in Apple Valley, Calif., and for the Kirtland Community College in Roscommon, Mich. She was a member of Grace United Church of Christ when she lived in Culver , and more currently, a member of St. Helen Community Baptist Church.

She was a life-member of Finney-Shilling Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6919 Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of Plymouth Eastern Star Chapter 26; St. Helen American Legion Auxiliary 416; Society of Professional Journalists; Phi Theta Kappa Chapter of Kirtland College, Roscommon, Mich.; International Honor Society; Tolfree Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, West Branch, Mich.; Kirtland Alumni Club, Ms. Club, and Mikenauk Chorale, all in Roscommon, Mich. She also served on the Kirtland College Board of Trustees in Roscommon, Mich., for six years.

She was a great lover of animals, music, her family and the Lord. She never met a stranger, having made friends with people all over the country, including many famous people. She was an avid reader and journalist and was active in her church and many organizations. Her family and friends will miss her smiling face, optimistic outlook, zest for life and sense of humor.

Visitation with the family will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the Bonine-Odom Funeral Home, Culver . The Rev. Ken Peterson and the Rev. Pa ul Nye will officiate funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grace United Church of Christ, Culver . Interment will follow at