Constance Dee "Connie" Wilds

Constance Dee Wilds, 86, of Dowagiac, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. She was born February 25, 1939 in Dowagiac, MI to Lee and Isabell (Smith) Cox.

The family will receive guests from 11am to 1pm, Monday, November 17, to celebrate Connie's life, concluding with a prayer at 1pm, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. A private burial service will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, MI. Memorial contributions in Connie's name can be made to, A Place Called Home, in Stevensville, MI. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Connie cherished raising her children and married the love of her life, Leonard Wilds on December 19, 1992, in Dowagiac. She was a school bus driver for many years for Dowagiac Union Schools.

Connie's greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. A wonderful mom, grandma, sister and friend. Taking care of others and sharing her love through cooking and baking made her very happy. Connie had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Connie will be dearly missed by her children – Carol Primley (Rick Fecho), Mike (Julie) Ruff, Carl (Lori) Ruff, Richard Ruff (Cathy Turner) and Tim (Jessica) Ruff; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings – Pam (Dennis) Swinehart and H. Dean (Laura) Cox.

She was preceded in death by her husband – Leonard Wilds; parents – Lee and Isabell Cox; sisters – Sharon Dingler and Patricia Frontczak; and brothers – Larry Cox and Leroy Cox.