She was born Ruth Wanda Gwin in Norfolk, Virginia, to Charles Francis Gwin and Ruth Alva Herring Gwin on March 27, 1933.
When Wanda was only five, her mother passed away. She grew up in Pensacola, Florida, with her half- brothers Thomas Andrew Nichols and Charles Francis Gwin, Jr., her father Charles Francis Gwin, Sr., and step-mother Muriel Lee Moses Gwin.
She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1951. She married Thomas Newton Selph, and in 1953 their daughter, Sherri Marie was born. Ten days after her birth, Thomas was murdered. Wanda’s strong faith sustained her during this time. She supported herself and her baby by working at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, and she was active at the church she had attended all her life, McIlwain Memorial Presbyterian.
In 1956, she married Robert Harry Aslakson, a Navy pilot whose training took them to California where two more daughters were born, Valerie Anne and Erica Lee. There she enjoyed a happy, active life, but in 1961 Robert died. Wanda returned to her hometown, Pensacola, to be near her parents. Her resilience allowed her to have fun raising her children and pursue her love of cooking, gardening and worshipping at her home church.
In 1967, she married John (Jack) Dudley Kramer, and in 1968 John Dudley Kramer, Jr. was born. Jack’s work took the family to Pennsylvania then Kentucky where Wanda was inspired to teach herself to quilt. When Jack passed away in 1980, she again returned to Pensacola. There she continued avidly developing her art of quilting. Her home became the center of family gatherings and holiday celebrations, where her family enjoyed her excellent cooking and her warm sense of humor.
In 2012, she decided to move to Gainesville, Florida, to be close to her daughters Sherri and Valerie.
Throughout great tragedies in her life, Wanda maintained a joyful spirit. People who knew her describe her as exceptionally kind and generous. She hand-crafted quilts for every member of the family, some taking months to complete. She was grateful for every kindness shown to her. Her children were blessed by her steadfast, unconditional, unfailing love.
Wanda is dearly missed. Those of us lucky enough to know her will cherish her memory all our lives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles F. Gwin, Sr., Ruth A. H. Gwin, Muriel L. Gwin, brother Thomas A. Nichols, husbands Thomas N. Selph, Robert H. Aslakson, John D. Kramer, Sr., daughters Erica L. Aslakson and Sherri M. Aslakson.
She is survived by son, John Dudley Kramer, Jr.(Donna) of Pace, Florida, daughter Valerie Anne Aslakson-Jennings (Bruce) of Gainesville, Florida, step-daughter Margene Kramer (Miles) of Burlington, North Carolina, granddaughters Sarah Jennings and Haley Kramer, grandsons John Young and Justin Kramer, and great-grandaughter, Kaylee Young.
A graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida, at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 13.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
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