Wanda (Gerkins) Halsey

Wanda Halsey of Battle Creek, MI

Wanda, age 91, passed away May 8, 2018. She was born June 28th, 1926 in Bartles, Kentucky, to Walter and Jessie (McCoy) Gerkins. She attended schools in Kentucky and graduated from Western Michigan University School of Librarianship in 1973 with her master's degree. She was employed at the Battle Creek Enquirer from 1974 to 1987 as the Librarian. On September 4th, 1948, she married Louis Halsey in Ekron, Kentucky. He survives. She is also survived by her children Judy Lange (Dan) of Jackson, Michigan, David Halsey (Barb) of Minneapolis, Rebecca Hills (Stephen) of Grandville, Michigan, and Nancy Beckmann (Ken) of Roeland Park, Kansas, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister, Ruth Thacker of Columbia, South Carolina and brother, William F. Gerkins of Brandenburg, Kentucky.

Wanda enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling. She was a literary reading tutor, and a member of the Leila Arboretum Society, where memorial contributions may be made. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20th, at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, 105 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek, followed by dinner from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Clara's on the River, 44 McCamly Street, Battle Creek.