Eliason, Gladys Edwanda

Gladys E. "Wanda" (Metzger) Eliason
December 15, 1915-March 4, 2006

Mrs. Gladys Edwanda "Wanda" Eliason, 90, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and formerly of Niles, Michigan, died at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006, in Hospice House, Roseland, Indiana, following a brief illness.

She was born on December 10, 1915, in Galien, Michigan, to Ben and Gladys (Reese) Metzger.

With her husband, Carlyle R. Eliason, they founded the Eliason Corporation of Kalamazoo, in which they remained active throughout their lives. She was greatly devoted to the company and its employees, who will remember her high principles and compassion.

Wanda remained young at heart, with an exuberant spirit. She enjoyed nature, especially the shores of Lake Michigan, but her greatest joy was her family.

She was former member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles.

She was preceded in death by her husband on November 5, 1982; and by her brothers, Vernon, Keith and Robert Metzger.

Surviving family includes her daughter, Diane (& Harry) Ogasian, and son, David (& Linda) Eliason; grandsons, Carl, Matt, Scott and Steve, and granddaughters, Rebecca, Jennifer and Allie; ten cherished great-grandchildren; nephews and niece, Vernon, Richard and Michon; and several special friends who helped provide her care, Jean Miles, Peggy and Joe Bush, Anita Culp and Caryl Lane.

The funeral service for Wanda Eliason will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2006, in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Wakeman of First Presbyterian Church officiating.  Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Eliason may be made to The Foundation of First Presbyterian Church or to the donor's choice.

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown