Wilda Civay

Wilda Mae Civay, 93, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven Sunday January 26, 2014. She was born to Olin E. and Rose M. (Handwork) Henning in their West Salem, Ohio home on June 14, 1920. Her parents owned and operated a successful grain threshing and hardwood lumber business. Our dear mother and grandmother Wilda graduated from West Salem High School in 1938 and Wooster Business College in 1942. Wilda married Robert E. Civay in her home in West Salem, Ohio in 1946. Robert was a U.S. WWII Veteran of the 9th Air Force Fighter Squadron who earned five battle campaign ribbons in the European Theatre of Operations. Robert preceded Wilda in death in 1987. Wilda worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Mansfield Tire, Ohio Casualty Insurance and Job Training Partnership Act, from where she retired. She was a member of the Sons of Herman for over 50 years.

Wilda loved her Lord, Jesus Christ with all her heart. She was a long time active member of the Columbus Bible Students where she was the comfort coordinator for several years. She attended many Bible Student conventions throughout the Midwest. Her earnest expectation, founded in the scriptures, was for the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:18, that He would bless ALL of the families of the Earth. Wilda gave her life to Jesus in total consecration, and lived with the hope of being part of the resurrected Bride of Jesus Christ. She believed she would be part of God’s plan for the blessing of the whole world of mankind, Revelation 21:2-4.

Wilda was very kind and gentle, she had a loving and generous heart. She grew up in the Great Depression and her sensitivity and giving heart prompted her to give away her things to those less fortunate throughout her life. Wilda acted out her loving spirit of service by volunteering over 5,000 hours to MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Her passions included gardening, canning, flowers, sewing, cooking for her grandsons, and spending time with her devoted family. She had a passion for the Nation of Israel, visiting Israel twice while in her 70s. Wilda saw Israel’s rebirth in 1948 as a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Wilda’s loving memories will be cherished by her devoted daughter, Linda K. (Civay) Lambert; her two grandsons whom she loved dearly, John G. Lambert and Shane R. Lambert; and several nieces and nephews. Wilda was preceded in death by her parents, Olin and Rose; her two brothers, Weldon and Wayne; and her loving husband, Robert.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield, Ohio on Saturday February 8, 2014 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Bible Students, P.O. Box. 340251, Columbus, OH 43234.