Wanda Marcelle Farrell

Wanda Marcelle Farrell (Pillow), 93, formerly of Auburn Hills, passed away June 26, 2017 in Rio Rico, AZ. Loving Mother of Nelda (Hyten) Thompson, Shirley (Dr. Arturo) Ortega, and Bruce (Gail) Farrell. Step-Mom of David (Leota) Farrell and Margaret (Roy) Heckman. Dear Grandmother to eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, caring sister of Marion Hicks and Mildred Scott. Wanda was blessed to have her cherished granddaughter Kelly, and her daughter Shirley, as her caregivers during recent years. She was loved by many nieces and nephews as well. Wanda was predeceased by her husband Archie Farrell, son Freddie Hyten, grandson Freddie Hyten Jr., her only brother Donald Pillow, and her son-in-law Glenn Thompson. Wanda was born in Holcomb, Missouri on August 14, 1923, the daughter of Reverend Pinkney and Pansy Pillow. She moved to Michigan during WWII to work in the Ypsilanti bomber plant, supporting the war effort. She later became one of the first women to become a foreman at General Motors. Wanda served as a Sunday school teacher and in the nursery for many years at Stone Baptist Church before retiring and moving to Arizona with her husband. Faith and family were very important to Wanda. The family will welcome friends for a visitation on Sunday July 2nd from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 3530 Auburn Road in Auburn Hills. Visitation will also be held at 10:00 am Monday, July 3rd until time of service at 11:00 am at the Pixley Funeral Home in Auburn Hills. Memorial contributions may be made in Wanda's honor to the Salvation Army. (www.salvationarmyusa.org/)