Louise Maude Wilkes, 85, of Williamsburg passed away November 11, 2021, at Samaritas.

Louise was born in 1936 in Hastings to the late Charles and Nellie Balmer (Martz) Gaskill.

On Christmas day, 1953, Louise was asked by her sweetheart and best friend, Arthur L Wilkes to be his bride. They were married in 1954, at the German Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. They had a long, active, and loving marriage.

In 1969 they moved from Lansing to Traverse City. They enjoyed a lifetime of experiences including camping with their young children at Wilderness State Park, travel to Europe, a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and traveling around the country in their motorhome. They eventually settled on being snowbirds, wintering in Arizona and the rest of their time in Traverse City.

Louise was a dedicated administrative assistant for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College. She worked for 13 years at the academy. During that time, she was a surrogate parent to many of the students and ran the program for almost two years after the admiral retired and a replacement was found.

Louise and Art were devoted members of the Elk Rapids First Presbyterian Church. Throughout her life she enjoyed being a Brownie Leader, Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother for her children. She absolutely loved the National Cherry Festival and was a proud ambassador for the Princesses for 34 years. She also served as president of Jaycee Auxiliary, and vice president of State Jaycee Auxiliary. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting and reading. In later years, she became an avid quilter and teacher, sharing her love of quilting with anyone who wanted to learn.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Art just five months ago. They shared 67 wonderful years together. She was also preceded by her parents, stepfather Robert Balmer and daughter Cynthia Wilkes. She is survived by her children, son Kevin (Jill) Wilkes; daughter Karen (Robert) Robinson; daughter Kathleen (Carlos) Ledezma; son Kurt (Mary) Wilkes; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and brothers Charles (Betty) Gaskill and Floyd Gaskill.

The family will celebrate her life at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids on Saturday June 4, 2022 at 2 pm with visitation beginning at 1 pm.

Interment will follow at the Yuba Cemetery at 4 pm.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church or to the Salvation Army.