Amalia Wood

Ms. Amalia Luedke Wood (“Mollie”) , age 99, passed away on the early afternoon of Thursday, March 9 th , 2017 at her Magnolia Manor home in St. Marys, Ga. surrounded by family.
Ms. Wood was born on February 17 th , 1918 in Clinton Township, Michigan to the late Edward and Julia Bahlman Luedke. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a milliner.  She loved her childhood growing up on the farm and often talked about cutting asparagus, playing with her siblings Leona, Lawrence, and Walter, and ice-skating on the frozen canals.  She was named for her Aunt Amalia and spent much time with her extended family.  After school, she became a hairdresser, a profession she greatly enjoyed with her friend, Ethel Springer.  Even in her last days, her hair was curled and styled.  She married Wayne Wood and moved to Washington DC and Wayne was in the service (Marines).  Wayne and Mollie had two sons, Wade and Keith. After the war, the family eventually returned to Clinton Township, MI.  The boys grew up and the family frequently traveled to Wyoming to visit family.  Mollie was proud of her skills as a home-maker, was an early adopter of microwave ovens, spent much time knitting slippers and making quilts, and was much beloved by neighbors and friends.  When her sons started families of their own, she was the quintessential grandmother—a constant and easy-going source of crafts, snacks, and hugs.  She spent the last decade of her life in Georgia near her son, Wade, and was known at her Magnolia Manor home as a person always peaceful and happy with life’s small joys.  Even at 99, she loved colorful sunsets, Cheerios cereal, and Lawrence Welk music.
Ms. Wood is survived by her sons, Wade D. Wood (Marcia) of St. Marys, Ga. and Keith Wood of Clinton Township, MI; her grandchildren, Stacy King, Shelly Kirkpatrick, and Michael & Brian Wood; and her great- grandchildren, Jennifer & Andrew Wood, Trevor Kirkpatrick and Amalia & Ariella King.  Her family is so proud of Mollie’s life and the warm and wonderful person she was—she will be lovingly remembered.
A memorial service will be held later in the year at Zion United Church of Christ in Mt. Clemens, Michigan with Rev. Scott Davis presiding.
The family asks in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made in Ms. Wood’s honor to Magnolia Manor at 4695 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway in St. Marys, Ga. 31558 to help them offset the costs they incurred evacuating residents to safety during Hurricane Matthew six months ago.
February 17, 1918 – March 9, 2017