Wilda Lenore (neé Santee) Winn Nicholson, 97, passed from this life into her Savior's presence Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Century Villa Health Care in Greentown. She was born May 20, 1920 at her family home in Goshen Township near Beloit, Ohio to Curtis and Florence (neé Ellyson) Santee.
Wilda graduated from Goshen High School in 1938 with honors and then graduated from Cleveland Bible College (now Malone University) in 1942 with honors. She married Rev. Harold B Winn on August 12, 1942. The couple moved to Hughesville, Pennsylvania in 1942 when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Hughesville Friends Church. In 1947 they moved to Salem, when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Salem First Friends Church. In both churches Wilda was active in the ministry serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, organist, soloist, and choir director. After Rev. Winn's death December 12, 1976, Wilda accepted the position as minister of visitation for the church in Salem.
On October 27, 1979, she married Rev. Lowell W. Nicholson of Greentown, Indiana, and served in various capacities in the churches that he pastored in Indiana (Hemlock Friends Church, New Salem Friends Church, and Sycamore Friends Church). Rev. Nicholson passed away October 14, 2015.
Wilda also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, doing jig saw puzzles, playing board games, and knitting. Wherever she went, she was dearly loved and respected. Most importantly, she was a follower of Jesus and a woman of prayer.
She is survived by her daughter and son, Ruth Ann (Dr. Frank) Raymond and Bud (Melanie) Winn, both of Ohio; stepsons Paul (Kimberly) Nicholson and Gary (Sally) Nicholson, both of Greentown; six grandchildren: Heather (Ryan) Laughlin of Missouri; Dr. Sven (Paula) Raymond; Holly (Daryl) Dicke; Aaron (Kelly) Winn; Joshua (Julia) Winn, all of Ohio; Sarah (Jeff) Servais, of Tennessee; ten step-grandchildren: Bradley (Lori) Nicholson of Greentown; Brenda Nicholson of Kokomo; Brian and Blake Nicholson of California; Stuart (Michelle) Nicholson of Kokomo; Sydney (Katie) Nicholson of McCordsville; Sara (Adam) Van Dam of Missouri; Gregory (Cari) Nicholson of New Palestine; Michelle Bailey of Greentown; Todd (Micah) Nicholson of Georgia; 20 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Santee; stepsons Walter and Robert Nicholson; step-grandson Dr. Stanton Nicholson; and step-great-grandson Jacob Nicholson.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN, Pastors Aaron B. Winn and Jesse Vore officiating. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 6 at the church or one hour before the funeral service.
Interment will be in East Goshen Friends Church Cemetery in Ohio beside her first husband at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8 with Pastor Aaron B. Winn officiating. Following the interment there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments at the Salem First Friends Church at 1028 Jennings Ave in Salem.
The family would like to thank Century Villa Health Care for their wonderful care for Wilda. Memorial contributions be made to the Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave, Salem, OH 44460 or the Sycamore Friends Church 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN 46936.
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Tribute to Grandma
(Wilda Santee Winn Nicholson)
by Heather Raymond Laughlin, granddaughter
August 7, 2017
When my mother asked me several months ago if I would be willing to speak on behalf of the Winn family at Grandma's funeral I told her, "Certainly! Yes, I would do that." Then, I inten-tionally wouldn't let myself write anything down. Logically I knew that my refusing to write my reflections about Grandma wouldn't slow down death, but I just couldn't do it. It wasn't yet time to let go. But now the time has come. So, it is with great honor and greater humility that I would like to share a few thoughts about the woman we all loved so dearly.
My sister shared this quote with me right after Grandma died: "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith" Billy Graham (Holly's FB page). That quote cap-tures exactly what Wilda has given each of us — she has left us a legacy of character and faith. The woman she was and the faith she demonstrated is the best gift she could have ever given us.
Our families never had the joy of living in the same town as Grandma, but seasonal visits between Indiana and Ohio, and especially spending a week or so in the summer without parents, fostered a close relationship with Grandma for all of us Winn grandkids. Those visits weren't filled with elaborately planned adventures for us —just basically entering into daily life with Grandma and Grandpa. And yet, somehow, the activities that would be chores at our own home became ad-ventures at Grandma's house. Activities like weeding the garden, hanging laundry on the outside line, or "helping" Grandpa mow the lawn took on a sweetness because we did it together with them.
After breakfast, Grandma and Grandpa would ask to be left undisturbed for their daily devo-tionals. Although we kids were freed up during this time to watch fascinating things on their huge console tv (shows like Green Acres, Bonanza, and Zorro!), we were very aware of what was going on in that room down the orange-carpeted hallway. Grandma and Grandpa were entering the throne room of God: They were reading their Bibles and praying. That room down the hall, second on the right, held their desks, their worn Bibles and notepads and pens. Soft morning light filtered through the west & south facing windows. However, as somber and as weighty as those times were, this room was not off limits to us children! This was also the room that housed the enormously heavy flip-table sewing machine; it was the room that had the closest that contained all the blocks and toys and the Little People barn (remember that barn with the door would "moo" as it swung open!"). It was the room where the walls and bookshelves displayed family pictures and mementos. For me, that room has always been a picture for what faith was to Grandma — the stuff of ordinary life lived simply before the face of God, trusting His Sovereignty in all the details, and being joyful because of the Love of her Savior.
Although there are many ways to describe Grandma's character, the first that came to mind is: Quiet Confidence. She seemed to trust her Savior and His plans like she trusted the air had oxy-gen. She'd just breath and know it would be sufficient for what each day would hold. This quiet confidence permeated the very essence of her homes in Salem and Greentown. She carried it with her - while we were snapping green or yellow wax beans on the back porch, snuggling up to her for a fabulous back scratch, or sitting next to her as we talked through tough decisions and situations. Grandma's calm presence was contagious; her steady trust in the Lord was comforting. We knew it was the real thing, and it made the world more solid.
All her life she was a hard worker. This was on display as she graduated both high school and college with honors, while working on the family farm, and during her years as a pastor's wife. Doing a job well and done right was just the way she functioned. Whether it was in the vast garden she and Grandpa maintained, canning and freezing that produce, or in her dedication to teach Sun-day School and Bible studies for countless years, Grandma put in the time to do it well.
Grandma was also a patient woman. One of my earliest memories is of my cousin Aaron and me picking the raspberries off the bushes behind the white barn in Salem. I'm pretty sure we were deliberately disobeying our parents. However, Grandma didn't get all worked up about the fact that we had just depleted all the ripe berries. She knew the delight it brought to us; she knew God would provide more berries. To this day, those are my favorite fruit! Grandma was also patient as she read books to us and taught us new games, as she took us on tours around the house to check on the roses and the peonies all the while answering a myriad of questions and inquiries. She never rushed us or hushed us. She never grew tired of our incessant request to see her wiggle her ears and nose like a bunny rabbit.
Now, as gentle-mannered as Grandmas was, she was also VERY competitive! I'm sure it was evident as she played softball as a young woman. As grandkids, we saw her competitive side when playing board and card games. (not "cards" …card games!) It didn't matter what game we happened to be playing any given day — Rummikub, Skip-Bo, Rack-O, Carom — Grandma always won! It was remarkable (and often frustrating). How'd she win yet again was beyond our compre-hension— both as children and even into our adult years! And you know, she'd never respond to winning with much fanfare, but she certainly had that satisfied smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma always had fun food when we visited — my siblings and I fondly remember being served sweets and discovering pantry items we were never allowed to have at our own home! Many of you have shared stories with me of how kind and thoughtful Grandma was. Her ability to see others needs and be generous was just the way she lived. For some, she shared her garden produce; for others, she had a word of encouragement or spent extra time listening. Grandma was thoughtful about her words, too. She could season a dish with just the right amount of butter, salt and pepper — Grandma could season a conversation with just the right amount of justice, grace and humor. She was never one for idle chatter or empty phrases. When Grandma spoke, she was careful with her words and thoughtful in her manner. I never heard her say a harsh or mean word about anyone. I'm certain she didn't approve of everything she knew about others, but I'm confident she shared those concerns with her Lord and then left her worries at His feet.
I began writing Grandma letters when I was in high school that continued through college and into early marriage. She always wrote back. There was nothing extraordinary or profound in what I wrote about — it was just a list of actives on my end that I thought she would enjoy knowing about. Her responses were filled with encouragement and how she was praying for me. She often wrote Scripture references at the bottom or top of the pages (which was brilliant on her part because it forced me to open my Bible as she just jotted down chapter and verse). However, I became busy with raising children and the details of my daily life and slowly stopped writing somewhere along the way. I sincerely regret not continuing the privilege of writing to her.
Although we didn't communicate as consistently through written word as the years passed, I know she daily communicated to our Heavenly Father on my behalf. She did that for all of her chil-dren and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She earnestly urged us to "seek first God's king-dom and His righteousness…" (Matt 6:33), knowing that all we needed for faith and life, God would provide— in His timing and in His manner. She trusted her own life to a Savior who would never let her go; she entrusted her most prized possessions— her family — to Him as well. Because we knew Grandma's faith was real, we took seriously her words to us.
Grandma kept the letters I wrote to her all those years ago. My mother recently gave them back to me and it is a joy to hold them knowing she prayed for me faithfully all my life. As a pas-tor's wife myself now, whenever I am asked to give my testimony of God's grace, I always begin by challenging folks that they should never underestimate the power of a praying Grandmother. I am confident that the Lord used my Grandma's prayers to draw me to Himself and to keep me de-siring to following in His ways. What a legacy — what a heritage—I have been given!
At the end of each time we gathered as a family, Grandma would call us to "circle up" be-fore we parted ways. We would literally stand in a circle, arms around each other, and she would pray. She would thank God for our time together, pray for particular requests that were heavy on our hearts, and ask for God's traveling mercies.
Grandma has now gone ahead of us. I am looking forward to the day when I can see her again; when the enemy, Death, will be no more and when every tear shall be wiped away. I know on that day, as we circle up and embrace, that twinkle in her eye will give a hint to the glory we will enjoy together.
Until then, my prayer is that we all steward well the legacy Grandma gave each of us— the legacy of her character and her faith.
Wilda graduated from Goshen High School in 1938 with honors and then graduated from Cleveland Bible College (now Malone University) in 1942 with honors. She married Rev. Harold B Winn on August 12, 1942. The couple moved to Hughesville, Pennsylvania in 1942 when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Hughesville Friends Church. In 1947 they moved to Salem, when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Salem First Friends Church. In both churches Wilda was active in the ministry serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, organist, soloist, and choir director. After Rev. Winn's death December 12, 1976, Wilda accepted the position as minister of visitation for the church in Salem.
On October 27, 1979, she married Rev. Lowell W. Nicholson of Greentown, Indiana, and served in various capacities in the churches that he pastored in Indiana (Hemlock Friends Church, New Salem Friends Church, and Sycamore Friends Church). Rev. Nicholson passed away October 14, 2015.
Wilda also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, doing jig saw puzzles, playing board games, and knitting. Wherever she went, she was dearly loved and respected. Most importantly, she was a follower of Jesus and a woman of prayer.
She is survived by her daughter and son, Ruth Ann (Dr. Frank) Raymond and Bud (Melanie) Winn, both of Ohio; stepsons Paul (Kimberly) Nicholson and Gary (Sally) Nicholson, both of Greentown; six grandchildren: Heather (Ryan) Laughlin of Missouri; Dr. Sven (Paula) Raymond; Holly (Daryl) Dicke; Aaron (Kelly) Winn; Joshua (Julia) Winn, all of Ohio; Sarah (Jeff) Servais, of Tennessee; ten step-grandchildren: Bradley (Lori) Nicholson of Greentown; Brenda Nicholson of Kokomo; Brian and Blake Nicholson of California; Stuart (Michelle) Nicholson of Kokomo; Sydney (Katie) Nicholson of McCordsville; Sara (Adam) Van Dam of Missouri; Gregory (Cari) Nicholson of New Palestine; Michelle Bailey of Greentown; Todd (Micah) Nicholson of Georgia; 20 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Santee; stepsons Walter and Robert Nicholson; step-grandson Dr. Stanton Nicholson; and step-great-grandson Jacob Nicholson.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN, Pastors Aaron B. Winn and Jesse Vore officiating. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 6 at the church or one hour before the funeral service.
Interment will be in East Goshen Friends Church Cemetery in Ohio beside her first husband at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8 with Pastor Aaron B. Winn officiating. Following the interment there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments at the Salem First Friends Church at 1028 Jennings Ave in Salem.
The family would like to thank Century Villa Health Care for their wonderful care for Wilda. Memorial contributions be made to the Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave, Salem, OH 44460 or the Sycamore Friends Church 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN 46936.
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Tribute to Grandma
(Wilda Santee Winn Nicholson)
by Heather Raymond Laughlin, granddaughter
August 7, 2017
When my mother asked me several months ago if I would be willing to speak on behalf of the Winn family at Grandma's funeral I told her, "Certainly! Yes, I would do that." Then, I inten-tionally wouldn't let myself write anything down. Logically I knew that my refusing to write my reflections about Grandma wouldn't slow down death, but I just couldn't do it. It wasn't yet time to let go. But now the time has come. So, it is with great honor and greater humility that I would like to share a few thoughts about the woman we all loved so dearly.
My sister shared this quote with me right after Grandma died: "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith" Billy Graham (Holly's FB page). That quote cap-tures exactly what Wilda has given each of us — she has left us a legacy of character and faith. The woman she was and the faith she demonstrated is the best gift she could have ever given us.
Our families never had the joy of living in the same town as Grandma, but seasonal visits between Indiana and Ohio, and especially spending a week or so in the summer without parents, fostered a close relationship with Grandma for all of us Winn grandkids. Those visits weren't filled with elaborately planned adventures for us —just basically entering into daily life with Grandma and Grandpa. And yet, somehow, the activities that would be chores at our own home became ad-ventures at Grandma's house. Activities like weeding the garden, hanging laundry on the outside line, or "helping" Grandpa mow the lawn took on a sweetness because we did it together with them.
After breakfast, Grandma and Grandpa would ask to be left undisturbed for their daily devo-tionals. Although we kids were freed up during this time to watch fascinating things on their huge console tv (shows like Green Acres, Bonanza, and Zorro!), we were very aware of what was going on in that room down the orange-carpeted hallway. Grandma and Grandpa were entering the throne room of God: They were reading their Bibles and praying. That room down the hall, second on the right, held their desks, their worn Bibles and notepads and pens. Soft morning light filtered through the west & south facing windows. However, as somber and as weighty as those times were, this room was not off limits to us children! This was also the room that housed the enormously heavy flip-table sewing machine; it was the room that had the closest that contained all the blocks and toys and the Little People barn (remember that barn with the door would "moo" as it swung open!"). It was the room where the walls and bookshelves displayed family pictures and mementos. For me, that room has always been a picture for what faith was to Grandma — the stuff of ordinary life lived simply before the face of God, trusting His Sovereignty in all the details, and being joyful because of the Love of her Savior.
Although there are many ways to describe Grandma's character, the first that came to mind is: Quiet Confidence. She seemed to trust her Savior and His plans like she trusted the air had oxy-gen. She'd just breath and know it would be sufficient for what each day would hold. This quiet confidence permeated the very essence of her homes in Salem and Greentown. She carried it with her - while we were snapping green or yellow wax beans on the back porch, snuggling up to her for a fabulous back scratch, or sitting next to her as we talked through tough decisions and situations. Grandma's calm presence was contagious; her steady trust in the Lord was comforting. We knew it was the real thing, and it made the world more solid.
All her life she was a hard worker. This was on display as she graduated both high school and college with honors, while working on the family farm, and during her years as a pastor's wife. Doing a job well and done right was just the way she functioned. Whether it was in the vast garden she and Grandpa maintained, canning and freezing that produce, or in her dedication to teach Sun-day School and Bible studies for countless years, Grandma put in the time to do it well.
Grandma was also a patient woman. One of my earliest memories is of my cousin Aaron and me picking the raspberries off the bushes behind the white barn in Salem. I'm pretty sure we were deliberately disobeying our parents. However, Grandma didn't get all worked up about the fact that we had just depleted all the ripe berries. She knew the delight it brought to us; she knew God would provide more berries. To this day, those are my favorite fruit! Grandma was also patient as she read books to us and taught us new games, as she took us on tours around the house to check on the roses and the peonies all the while answering a myriad of questions and inquiries. She never rushed us or hushed us. She never grew tired of our incessant request to see her wiggle her ears and nose like a bunny rabbit.
Now, as gentle-mannered as Grandmas was, she was also VERY competitive! I'm sure it was evident as she played softball as a young woman. As grandkids, we saw her competitive side when playing board and card games. (not "cards" …card games!) It didn't matter what game we happened to be playing any given day — Rummikub, Skip-Bo, Rack-O, Carom — Grandma always won! It was remarkable (and often frustrating). How'd she win yet again was beyond our compre-hension— both as children and even into our adult years! And you know, she'd never respond to winning with much fanfare, but she certainly had that satisfied smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma always had fun food when we visited — my siblings and I fondly remember being served sweets and discovering pantry items we were never allowed to have at our own home! Many of you have shared stories with me of how kind and thoughtful Grandma was. Her ability to see others needs and be generous was just the way she lived. For some, she shared her garden produce; for others, she had a word of encouragement or spent extra time listening. Grandma was thoughtful about her words, too. She could season a dish with just the right amount of butter, salt and pepper — Grandma could season a conversation with just the right amount of justice, grace and humor. She was never one for idle chatter or empty phrases. When Grandma spoke, she was careful with her words and thoughtful in her manner. I never heard her say a harsh or mean word about anyone. I'm certain she didn't approve of everything she knew about others, but I'm confident she shared those concerns with her Lord and then left her worries at His feet.
I began writing Grandma letters when I was in high school that continued through college and into early marriage. She always wrote back. There was nothing extraordinary or profound in what I wrote about — it was just a list of actives on my end that I thought she would enjoy knowing about. Her responses were filled with encouragement and how she was praying for me. She often wrote Scripture references at the bottom or top of the pages (which was brilliant on her part because it forced me to open my Bible as she just jotted down chapter and verse). However, I became busy with raising children and the details of my daily life and slowly stopped writing somewhere along the way. I sincerely regret not continuing the privilege of writing to her.
Although we didn't communicate as consistently through written word as the years passed, I know she daily communicated to our Heavenly Father on my behalf. She did that for all of her chil-dren and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She earnestly urged us to "seek first God's king-dom and His righteousness…" (Matt 6:33), knowing that all we needed for faith and life, God would provide— in His timing and in His manner. She trusted her own life to a Savior who would never let her go; she entrusted her most prized possessions— her family — to Him as well. Because we knew Grandma's faith was real, we took seriously her words to us.
Grandma kept the letters I wrote to her all those years ago. My mother recently gave them back to me and it is a joy to hold them knowing she prayed for me faithfully all my life. As a pas-tor's wife myself now, whenever I am asked to give my testimony of God's grace, I always begin by challenging folks that they should never underestimate the power of a praying Grandmother. I am confident that the Lord used my Grandma's prayers to draw me to Himself and to keep me de-siring to following in His ways. What a legacy — what a heritage—I have been given!
At the end of each time we gathered as a family, Grandma would call us to "circle up" be-fore we parted ways. We would literally stand in a circle, arms around each other, and she would pray. She would thank God for our time together, pray for particular requests that were heavy on our hearts, and ask for God's traveling mercies.
Grandma has now gone ahead of us. I am looking forward to the day when I can see her again; when the enemy, Death, will be no more and when every tear shall be wiped away. I know on that day, as we circle up and embrace, that twinkle in her eye will give a hint to the glory we will enjoy together.
Until then, my prayer is that we all steward well the legacy Grandma gave each of us— the legacy of her character and her faith.
Wilda Lenore (neé Santee) Winn Nicholson, 97, passed from this life into her Savior's presence Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Century Villa Health Care in Greentown. She was born May 20, 1920 at her family home in Goshen Township near Beloit, Ohio to Curtis and Florence (neé Ellyson) Santee.
Wilda graduated from Goshen High School in 1938 with honors and then graduated from Cleveland Bible College (now Malone University) in 1942 with honors. She married Rev. Harold B Winn on August 12, 1942. The couple moved to Hughesville, Pennsylvania in 1942 when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Hughesville Friends Church. In 1947 they moved to Salem, when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Salem First Friends Church. In both churches Wilda was active in the ministry serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, organist, soloist, and choir director. After Rev. Winn's death December 12, 1976, Wilda accepted the position as minister of visitation for the church in Salem.
On October 27, 1979, she married Rev. Lowell W. Nicholson of Greentown, Indiana, and served in various capacities in the churches that he pastored in Indiana (Hemlock Friends Church, New Salem Friends Church, and Sycamore Friends Church). Rev. Nicholson passed away October 14, 2015.
Wilda also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, doing jig saw puzzles, playing board games, and knitting. Wherever she went, she was dearly loved and respected. Most importantly, she was a follower of Jesus and a woman of prayer.
She is survived by her daughter and son, Ruth Ann (Dr. Frank) Raymond and Bud (Melanie) Winn, both of Ohio; stepsons Paul (Kimberly) Nicholson and Gary (Sally) Nicholson, both of Greentown; six grandchildren: Heather (Ryan) Laughlin of Missouri; Dr. Sven (Paula) Raymond; Holly (Daryl) Dicke; Aaron (Kelly) Winn; Joshua (Julia) Winn, all of Ohio; Sarah (Jeff) Servais, of Tennessee; ten step-grandchildren: Bradley (Lori) Nicholson of Greentown; Brenda Nicholson of Kokomo; Brian and Blake Nicholson of California; Stuart (Michelle) Nicholson of Kokomo; Sydney (Katie) Nicholson of McCordsville; Sara (Adam) Van Dam of Missouri; Gregory (Cari) Nicholson of New Palestine; Michelle Bailey of Greentown; Todd (Micah) Nicholson of Georgia; 20 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Santee; stepsons Walter and Robert Nicholson; step-grandson Dr. Stanton Nicholson; and step-great-grandson Jacob Nicholson.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN, Pastors Aaron B. Winn and Jesse Vore officiating. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 6 at the church or one hour before the funeral service.
Interment will be in East Goshen Friends Church Cemetery in Ohio beside her first husband at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8 with Pastor Aaron B. Winn officiating. Following the interment there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments at the Salem First Friends Church at 1028 Jennings Ave in Salem.
The family would like to thank Century Villa Health Care for their wonderful care for Wilda. Memorial contributions be made to the Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave, Salem, OH 44460 or the Sycamore Friends Church 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN 46936.
---------------------------------------------------
Tribute to Grandma
(Wilda Santee Winn Nicholson)
by Heather Raymond Laughlin, granddaughter
August 7, 2017
When my mother asked me several months ago if I would be willing to speak on behalf of the Winn family at Grandma's funeral I told her, "Certainly! Yes, I would do that." Then, I inten-tionally wouldn't let myself write anything down. Logically I knew that my refusing to write my reflections about Grandma wouldn't slow down death, but I just couldn't do it. It wasn't yet time to let go. But now the time has come. So, it is with great honor and greater humility that I would like to share a few thoughts about the woman we all loved so dearly.
My sister shared this quote with me right after Grandma died: "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith" Billy Graham (Holly's FB page). That quote cap-tures exactly what Wilda has given each of us — she has left us a legacy of character and faith. The woman she was and the faith she demonstrated is the best gift she could have ever given us.
Our families never had the joy of living in the same town as Grandma, but seasonal visits between Indiana and Ohio, and especially spending a week or so in the summer without parents, fostered a close relationship with Grandma for all of us Winn grandkids. Those visits weren't filled with elaborately planned adventures for us —just basically entering into daily life with Grandma and Grandpa. And yet, somehow, the activities that would be chores at our own home became ad-ventures at Grandma's house. Activities like weeding the garden, hanging laundry on the outside line, or "helping" Grandpa mow the lawn took on a sweetness because we did it together with them.
After breakfast, Grandma and Grandpa would ask to be left undisturbed for their daily devo-tionals. Although we kids were freed up during this time to watch fascinating things on their huge console tv (shows like Green Acres, Bonanza, and Zorro!), we were very aware of what was going on in that room down the orange-carpeted hallway. Grandma and Grandpa were entering the throne room of God: They were reading their Bibles and praying. That room down the hall, second on the right, held their desks, their worn Bibles and notepads and pens. Soft morning light filtered through the west & south facing windows. However, as somber and as weighty as those times were, this room was not off limits to us children! This was also the room that housed the enormously heavy flip-table sewing machine; it was the room that had the closest that contained all the blocks and toys and the Little People barn (remember that barn with the door would "moo" as it swung open!"). It was the room where the walls and bookshelves displayed family pictures and mementos. For me, that room has always been a picture for what faith was to Grandma — the stuff of ordinary life lived simply before the face of God, trusting His Sovereignty in all the details, and being joyful because of the Love of her Savior.
Although there are many ways to describe Grandma's character, the first that came to mind is: Quiet Confidence. She seemed to trust her Savior and His plans like she trusted the air had oxy-gen. She'd just breath and know it would be sufficient for what each day would hold. This quiet confidence permeated the very essence of her homes in Salem and Greentown. She carried it with her - while we were snapping green or yellow wax beans on the back porch, snuggling up to her for a fabulous back scratch, or sitting next to her as we talked through tough decisions and situations. Grandma's calm presence was contagious; her steady trust in the Lord was comforting. We knew it was the real thing, and it made the world more solid.
All her life she was a hard worker. This was on display as she graduated both high school and college with honors, while working on the family farm, and during her years as a pastor's wife. Doing a job well and done right was just the way she functioned. Whether it was in the vast garden she and Grandpa maintained, canning and freezing that produce, or in her dedication to teach Sun-day School and Bible studies for countless years, Grandma put in the time to do it well.
Grandma was also a patient woman. One of my earliest memories is of my cousin Aaron and me picking the raspberries off the bushes behind the white barn in Salem. I'm pretty sure we were deliberately disobeying our parents. However, Grandma didn't get all worked up about the fact that we had just depleted all the ripe berries. She knew the delight it brought to us; she knew God would provide more berries. To this day, those are my favorite fruit! Grandma was also patient as she read books to us and taught us new games, as she took us on tours around the house to check on the roses and the peonies all the while answering a myriad of questions and inquiries. She never rushed us or hushed us. She never grew tired of our incessant request to see her wiggle her ears and nose like a bunny rabbit.
Now, as gentle-mannered as Grandmas was, she was also VERY competitive! I'm sure it was evident as she played softball as a young woman. As grandkids, we saw her competitive side when playing board and card games. (not "cards" …card games!) It didn't matter what game we happened to be playing any given day — Rummikub, Skip-Bo, Rack-O, Carom — Grandma always won! It was remarkable (and often frustrating). How'd she win yet again was beyond our compre-hension— both as children and even into our adult years! And you know, she'd never respond to winning with much fanfare, but she certainly had that satisfied smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma always had fun food when we visited — my siblings and I fondly remember being served sweets and discovering pantry items we were never allowed to have at our own home! Many of you have shared stories with me of how kind and thoughtful Grandma was. Her ability to see others needs and be generous was just the way she lived. For some, she shared her garden produce; for others, she had a word of encouragement or spent extra time listening. Grandma was thoughtful about her words, too. She could season a dish with just the right amount of butter, salt and pepper — Grandma could season a conversation with just the right amount of justice, grace and humor. She was never one for idle chatter or empty phrases. When Grandma spoke, she was careful with her words and thoughtful in her manner. I never heard her say a harsh or mean word about anyone. I'm certain she didn't approve of everything she knew about others, but I'm confident she shared those concerns with her Lord and then left her worries at His feet.
I began writing Grandma letters when I was in high school that continued through college and into early marriage. She always wrote back. There was nothing extraordinary or profound in what I wrote about — it was just a list of actives on my end that I thought she would enjoy knowing about. Her responses were filled with encouragement and how she was praying for me. She often wrote Scripture references at the bottom or top of the pages (which was brilliant on her part because it forced me to open my Bible as she just jotted down chapter and verse). However, I became busy with raising children and the details of my daily life and slowly stopped writing somewhere along the way. I sincerely regret not continuing the privilege of writing to her.
Although we didn't communicate as consistently through written word as the years passed, I know she daily communicated to our Heavenly Father on my behalf. She did that for all of her chil-dren and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She earnestly urged us to "seek first God's king-dom and His righteousness…" (Matt 6:33), knowing that all we needed for faith and life, God would provide— in His timing and in His manner. She trusted her own life to a Savior who would never let her go; she entrusted her most prized possessions— her family — to Him as well. Because we knew Grandma's faith was real, we took seriously her words to us.
Grandma kept the letters I wrote to her all those years ago. My mother recently gave them back to me and it is a joy to hold them knowing she prayed for me faithfully all my life. As a pas-tor's wife myself now, whenever I am asked to give my testimony of God's grace, I always begin by challenging folks that they should never underestimate the power of a praying Grandmother. I am confident that the Lord used my Grandma's prayers to draw me to Himself and to keep me de-siring to following in His ways. What a legacy — what a heritage—I have been given!
At the end of each time we gathered as a family, Grandma would call us to "circle up" be-fore we parted ways. We would literally stand in a circle, arms around each other, and she would pray. She would thank God for our time together, pray for particular requests that were heavy on our hearts, and ask for God's traveling mercies.
Grandma has now gone ahead of us. I am looking forward to the day when I can see her again; when the enemy, Death, will be no more and when every tear shall be wiped away. I know on that day, as we circle up and embrace, that twinkle in her eye will give a hint to the glory we will enjoy together.
Until then, my prayer is that we all steward well the legacy Grandma gave each of us— the legacy of her character and her faith.
Wilda graduated from Goshen High School in 1938 with honors and then graduated from Cleveland Bible College (now Malone University) in 1942 with honors. She married Rev. Harold B Winn on August 12, 1942. The couple moved to Hughesville, Pennsylvania in 1942 when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Hughesville Friends Church. In 1947 they moved to Salem, when Rev. Winn became the pastor of the Salem First Friends Church. In both churches Wilda was active in the ministry serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, organist, soloist, and choir director. After Rev. Winn's death December 12, 1976, Wilda accepted the position as minister of visitation for the church in Salem.
On October 27, 1979, she married Rev. Lowell W. Nicholson of Greentown, Indiana, and served in various capacities in the churches that he pastored in Indiana (Hemlock Friends Church, New Salem Friends Church, and Sycamore Friends Church). Rev. Nicholson passed away October 14, 2015.
Wilda also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, doing jig saw puzzles, playing board games, and knitting. Wherever she went, she was dearly loved and respected. Most importantly, she was a follower of Jesus and a woman of prayer.
She is survived by her daughter and son, Ruth Ann (Dr. Frank) Raymond and Bud (Melanie) Winn, both of Ohio; stepsons Paul (Kimberly) Nicholson and Gary (Sally) Nicholson, both of Greentown; six grandchildren: Heather (Ryan) Laughlin of Missouri; Dr. Sven (Paula) Raymond; Holly (Daryl) Dicke; Aaron (Kelly) Winn; Joshua (Julia) Winn, all of Ohio; Sarah (Jeff) Servais, of Tennessee; ten step-grandchildren: Bradley (Lori) Nicholson of Greentown; Brenda Nicholson of Kokomo; Brian and Blake Nicholson of California; Stuart (Michelle) Nicholson of Kokomo; Sydney (Katie) Nicholson of McCordsville; Sara (Adam) Van Dam of Missouri; Gregory (Cari) Nicholson of New Palestine; Michelle Bailey of Greentown; Todd (Micah) Nicholson of Georgia; 20 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gordon Santee; stepsons Walter and Robert Nicholson; step-grandson Dr. Stanton Nicholson; and step-great-grandson Jacob Nicholson.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN, Pastors Aaron B. Winn and Jesse Vore officiating. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 6 at the church or one hour before the funeral service.
Interment will be in East Goshen Friends Church Cemetery in Ohio beside her first husband at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8 with Pastor Aaron B. Winn officiating. Following the interment there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments at the Salem First Friends Church at 1028 Jennings Ave in Salem.
The family would like to thank Century Villa Health Care for their wonderful care for Wilda. Memorial contributions be made to the Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave, Salem, OH 44460 or the Sycamore Friends Church 1148 N 1100 E, Greentown, IN 46936.
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Tribute to Grandma
(Wilda Santee Winn Nicholson)
by Heather Raymond Laughlin, granddaughter
August 7, 2017
When my mother asked me several months ago if I would be willing to speak on behalf of the Winn family at Grandma's funeral I told her, "Certainly! Yes, I would do that." Then, I inten-tionally wouldn't let myself write anything down. Logically I knew that my refusing to write my reflections about Grandma wouldn't slow down death, but I just couldn't do it. It wasn't yet time to let go. But now the time has come. So, it is with great honor and greater humility that I would like to share a few thoughts about the woman we all loved so dearly.
My sister shared this quote with me right after Grandma died: "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith" Billy Graham (Holly's FB page). That quote cap-tures exactly what Wilda has given each of us — she has left us a legacy of character and faith. The woman she was and the faith she demonstrated is the best gift she could have ever given us.
Our families never had the joy of living in the same town as Grandma, but seasonal visits between Indiana and Ohio, and especially spending a week or so in the summer without parents, fostered a close relationship with Grandma for all of us Winn grandkids. Those visits weren't filled with elaborately planned adventures for us —just basically entering into daily life with Grandma and Grandpa. And yet, somehow, the activities that would be chores at our own home became ad-ventures at Grandma's house. Activities like weeding the garden, hanging laundry on the outside line, or "helping" Grandpa mow the lawn took on a sweetness because we did it together with them.
After breakfast, Grandma and Grandpa would ask to be left undisturbed for their daily devo-tionals. Although we kids were freed up during this time to watch fascinating things on their huge console tv (shows like Green Acres, Bonanza, and Zorro!), we were very aware of what was going on in that room down the orange-carpeted hallway. Grandma and Grandpa were entering the throne room of God: They were reading their Bibles and praying. That room down the hall, second on the right, held their desks, their worn Bibles and notepads and pens. Soft morning light filtered through the west & south facing windows. However, as somber and as weighty as those times were, this room was not off limits to us children! This was also the room that housed the enormously heavy flip-table sewing machine; it was the room that had the closest that contained all the blocks and toys and the Little People barn (remember that barn with the door would "moo" as it swung open!"). It was the room where the walls and bookshelves displayed family pictures and mementos. For me, that room has always been a picture for what faith was to Grandma — the stuff of ordinary life lived simply before the face of God, trusting His Sovereignty in all the details, and being joyful because of the Love of her Savior.
Although there are many ways to describe Grandma's character, the first that came to mind is: Quiet Confidence. She seemed to trust her Savior and His plans like she trusted the air had oxy-gen. She'd just breath and know it would be sufficient for what each day would hold. This quiet confidence permeated the very essence of her homes in Salem and Greentown. She carried it with her - while we were snapping green or yellow wax beans on the back porch, snuggling up to her for a fabulous back scratch, or sitting next to her as we talked through tough decisions and situations. Grandma's calm presence was contagious; her steady trust in the Lord was comforting. We knew it was the real thing, and it made the world more solid.
All her life she was a hard worker. This was on display as she graduated both high school and college with honors, while working on the family farm, and during her years as a pastor's wife. Doing a job well and done right was just the way she functioned. Whether it was in the vast garden she and Grandpa maintained, canning and freezing that produce, or in her dedication to teach Sun-day School and Bible studies for countless years, Grandma put in the time to do it well.
Grandma was also a patient woman. One of my earliest memories is of my cousin Aaron and me picking the raspberries off the bushes behind the white barn in Salem. I'm pretty sure we were deliberately disobeying our parents. However, Grandma didn't get all worked up about the fact that we had just depleted all the ripe berries. She knew the delight it brought to us; she knew God would provide more berries. To this day, those are my favorite fruit! Grandma was also patient as she read books to us and taught us new games, as she took us on tours around the house to check on the roses and the peonies all the while answering a myriad of questions and inquiries. She never rushed us or hushed us. She never grew tired of our incessant request to see her wiggle her ears and nose like a bunny rabbit.
Now, as gentle-mannered as Grandmas was, she was also VERY competitive! I'm sure it was evident as she played softball as a young woman. As grandkids, we saw her competitive side when playing board and card games. (not "cards" …card games!) It didn't matter what game we happened to be playing any given day — Rummikub, Skip-Bo, Rack-O, Carom — Grandma always won! It was remarkable (and often frustrating). How'd she win yet again was beyond our compre-hension— both as children and even into our adult years! And you know, she'd never respond to winning with much fanfare, but she certainly had that satisfied smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma always had fun food when we visited — my siblings and I fondly remember being served sweets and discovering pantry items we were never allowed to have at our own home! Many of you have shared stories with me of how kind and thoughtful Grandma was. Her ability to see others needs and be generous was just the way she lived. For some, she shared her garden produce; for others, she had a word of encouragement or spent extra time listening. Grandma was thoughtful about her words, too. She could season a dish with just the right amount of butter, salt and pepper — Grandma could season a conversation with just the right amount of justice, grace and humor. She was never one for idle chatter or empty phrases. When Grandma spoke, she was careful with her words and thoughtful in her manner. I never heard her say a harsh or mean word about anyone. I'm certain she didn't approve of everything she knew about others, but I'm confident she shared those concerns with her Lord and then left her worries at His feet.
I began writing Grandma letters when I was in high school that continued through college and into early marriage. She always wrote back. There was nothing extraordinary or profound in what I wrote about — it was just a list of actives on my end that I thought she would enjoy knowing about. Her responses were filled with encouragement and how she was praying for me. She often wrote Scripture references at the bottom or top of the pages (which was brilliant on her part because it forced me to open my Bible as she just jotted down chapter and verse). However, I became busy with raising children and the details of my daily life and slowly stopped writing somewhere along the way. I sincerely regret not continuing the privilege of writing to her.
Although we didn't communicate as consistently through written word as the years passed, I know she daily communicated to our Heavenly Father on my behalf. She did that for all of her chil-dren and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She earnestly urged us to "seek first God's king-dom and His righteousness…" (Matt 6:33), knowing that all we needed for faith and life, God would provide— in His timing and in His manner. She trusted her own life to a Savior who would never let her go; she entrusted her most prized possessions— her family — to Him as well. Because we knew Grandma's faith was real, we took seriously her words to us.
Grandma kept the letters I wrote to her all those years ago. My mother recently gave them back to me and it is a joy to hold them knowing she prayed for me faithfully all my life. As a pas-tor's wife myself now, whenever I am asked to give my testimony of God's grace, I always begin by challenging folks that they should never underestimate the power of a praying Grandmother. I am confident that the Lord used my Grandma's prayers to draw me to Himself and to keep me de-siring to following in His ways. What a legacy — what a heritage—I have been given!
At the end of each time we gathered as a family, Grandma would call us to "circle up" be-fore we parted ways. We would literally stand in a circle, arms around each other, and she would pray. She would thank God for our time together, pray for particular requests that were heavy on our hearts, and ask for God's traveling mercies.
Grandma has now gone ahead of us. I am looking forward to the day when I can see her again; when the enemy, Death, will be no more and when every tear shall be wiped away. I know on that day, as we circle up and embrace, that twinkle in her eye will give a hint to the glory we will enjoy together.
Until then, my prayer is that we all steward well the legacy Grandma gave each of us— the legacy of her character and her faith.
Family Members
Siblings
See more Winn Nicholson or Santee memorials in:
- East Goshen Friends Cemetery Winn Nicholson or Santee
- East Goshen Winn Nicholson or Santee
- Mahoning County Winn Nicholson or Santee
- Ohio Winn Nicholson or Santee
- USA Winn Nicholson or Santee
- Find a Grave Winn Nicholson or Santee
