Wilhelmina “Wilma” Gassaway, of Roseville, California passed away on January 20, 2021. Born in Lethanhill, above Patna in East Ayrshire, Scotland, Wilma was the daughter of Agnes Carruthers and William “Big Billy” Cran. Wilma immigrated to America in 1966 and became an American citizen, an enduring source of pride. She was married to Curtis Eugene Gassaway of San Jose, California for 37 years, until his passing on December 5, 2009.

Wilma will be remembered for her love of family, fun, grace and her warm smile and civility. Her Grandchildren will remember her as their “Nana.” Wilma said she “lived a full life” where her “family was the most important” thing to her, “family was everything”. Throughout her life, this coal miner’s daughter from the Doon Valley, Scotland, lived in Scotland, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, California, Germany, South Carolina, and Nevada. She spent 35 years in San Jose working as an office manager and raising a family. The last nine years she enjoyed an active retirement surrounded by many beloved friends in Sun City, Roseville, California.

Wilma was preceded in death by her brother Jim Cran of Burbank, California, sister May Logan of Patna, Scotland as well as her first husband Jess Rendleman of Greenville, North Carolina, Grandson Ewan Rendleman, and Granddaughter Campbell Gassaway.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jesse and Akiko Rendleman, Scott Rendleman and Leila Manning, and Troy and Elizabeth Gassaway. Wilma adored her four grandchildren, Payton Gassaway, Liam Rendleman, Takaya and Atsuko Rendleman, as well as her nephew Ian Cran of Elgin, Scotland and her niece Diane McAughtrie of Troon, Scotland.

Her hobbies included spending time with her family and many cherished friends in San Jose and Sun City. She loved dancing, the 49ers football team, traveling, bocce, wine tasting and was a lifelong Neil Diamond fan.

Her family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all who loved her. Details about a celebration of life, when we can all safely gather, will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sun City Foundation. The Foundation assists residents in the community that Wilma loved so dearly.

If you would like to make a donation:

Send a check payable to: SCR Foundation, PO Box 819 Roseville, CA, 95678-0819.

Please include Wilma’s name with your donation.

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