Wilma Cecelia McCardie, of Chesterton, Ind., formerly of Fort Walton Beach and Mary Esther, Florida, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Saturday morning, May 12, at the age of 90.

Wilma was born in Rush City, Minnesota on February 1, 1922 to Oscar and Daphne (Helstrom) Johanson.

On November, 3, 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota she married Clarence E. McCardie, who preceded her in death on December 7, 1994.

Wilma is survived by her daughter and caregiver Jerrilynn (Lloyd) Williams, Chesterton; sons: Philip (Marsha) McCardie of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Michael McCardie of Mary Esther, Florida; and Andrew (Melissa) McCardie of Crestview, Florida.

Wilma is also survived by seven grandchildren: Donna (James) Meeks and David (Rhonda) Williams, all of Chesterton; Charlie (Shelly) Williams of Overland Park, Kansas; Jennifer Marques of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Amy (Jake) Pearson of Clovis, New Mexico; Alanna (Jeremy) Helms of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Quinn McCardie of Crestview, Fla. She is survived by nine great-grandchildren: Suzanne Williams of Muncie, Ind.; Jennifer Williams and Katelynn Williams both of Chesterton; Nicholas Williams and Allison Williams both of Overland Park; Junior Helms, Jedi Helms and Janie Helms of Fort Walton Beach; and Adrian Pearson of Clovis. She is also survived by sister Norma Ahrens of St. Paul, Minn. and special brother-in-law Robert Hite, San Francisco, Cal.

She was preceded in death by daughter Nancy Lee Marques on April 17, 1995. Wilma was also preceded in death by ten of her eleven siblings: Nancy, Carol, Harriet, Yngve, Torde, Willard, Philip, Lenard, Wendell, and Adolph.

Wilma graduated from St. Paul High School in 1940 and was a proud, dedicated military wife and homemaker. She and Clarence retired to Fort Walton Beach (Eglin Air Force Base) in March, 1960 after a final tour of duty at Porter Nike Base.

She loved her family, cooking, bowling, tulips, Bingo and slot machines.

Arrangements locally are being handled by White Love Funeral Home in Chesterton.

Interment of her cremains at Barancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Drive, Pensacola, Florida and a private graveside service will be at a later date.

For additional information, please contact White-Love Funeral Home at (219) 926-1309.

Posted 5/16/2012