Catherine Naumann Wilder; County Native

Catherine “Rosie” Naumann Wilder, a former newspaper editor and classified ad manager, was surrounded by friends and family when she died at her home in Camarillo on Feb. 20. She was 78.

She was born in Oxnard on Valentine’s Day 1922. The family, which included her brothers, Bob and Alvin, lived on a ranch. After attending Ocean View School, she went on to Oxnard High School, graduating in 1939.

Employed by the Oxnard Press Courier, she briefly served as an editor on a newspaper established in Port Hueneme.

On Feb. 10, 1944, she married Lt. Harold Wilder Jr., a pilot in the Army Air Forces. After the war, the couple lived in Winnetka, Ill., until 1950, when they moved to Long Grove, Ill.

A mother and homemaker, she served on the Kildeer Community Club board and was secretary for the PTA. For awhile, she managed the classified advertising department at the Barrington Press.

For a number of years, Wilder was an active member of the Altar Guild at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Barrington Hills. She instructed new guild members on their various duties.

In 1976, the couple moved to Camarillo, where they took up sailing and joined the Ventura Power Squadron. Wilder served as an officer of the Seaquins, the women’s auxiliary, until they merged with the power squadron.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura and the Ventura Dance Club.

Wilder was an avid gardener, voracious reader and eager writer. She had a particular interest in children’s stories.

In addition to her husband of 56 years, she is survived by their son, Scott Wilder of Oakhurst, Calif.

A memorial service is scheduled at 10 a.m. March 23 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura. A reception will follow at the Wilder home in Camarillo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Guardian Memorial Funeral Directors & Crematory, Oxnard.