Bonnie Jean Wardin (Tilden)

Wardin, Bonnie Jean, ne Tilden Hemlock, Michigan Age 86, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Thursday, September 11, 2015, at her home in Hemlock. Bonnie was born July 20, 1929, to Bert and Anna (Rohde) Tilden in Midland, Michigan. She married Carl Leon Wardin on February 26, 1949, and together they raised seven children. After Carl was struck by polio in 1953, she cared for him until his passing in 1986 with such dedication and diligence that the doctors and nurses marveled at his excellent condition. From 1969 until her retirement, she was a school bus driver first for Hemlock Schools and later for the Millet Center. As a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hemlock, she lived her faith in love, generosity of spirit and forgiveness. She contributed regularly to over thirty charities, willing to share the abundance she felt in her life. Generous with her time and attention to her children and grandchildren, she was always ready to provide transportation or babysit even into her 80's. She was "Cookie Grandma" to great-nephews and greatnieces who were often at her door for a quick hello and a cookie. She loved spending time with friends and family, playing cards and visiting at her sister's cottage in Au Gres. At home, she could often be found reading, engrossed in a book until the wee hours of the morning. Her greatest joy, though, was watching the achievements and successes of her children, to whom she was greatly dedicated. She felt truly blessed with her family. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, and her brother, Loring Tilden. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Daniel (Ellie) Wardin of Asheville, NC, Thomas (Jeanette) Wardin and Carla (Joe) McQueen of Hemlock, Paula (Paul) Gorney of Bay County, Donna Wardin of Shelton, WA, Brenda (John) Parent of Au Gres, and William (Julie) Wardin of Hemlock. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren, Quinn Wardin, William Doehring, Benjamin, Joseph and Thomas Wardin, Nathan, Joshua, and Jordan McQueen, Carly McQueen-Gembrowski, Lewis Jackson, Marcie Graham, and Hudson, Nathan, Camille and Conrad Wardin, as well as 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving and who will miss her dearly are her sisters, Jerry Kruth and Francis Neville, and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Thomas Neville, Paul and Sara Wardin and Carol Wardin. Funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2461 N. Raucholz Rd., Hemlock. Rev. William Morris will officiate with burial in Richland Lutheran Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Rd., from 2:00 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 8:00 p.m. on Monday, and then at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Peter Lutheran Church. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
201 North Miller Road
Saginaw, MI
United States 48609