Wanda E. (Phipps) Arthur

Wanda E. (Phipps) Arthur, 98, of Nevada, Mo., passed away on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, at Barone’s Alzheimer’s Care Center, after a two-year illness.

Born in Lamar, Mo., Wanda was the oldest surviving child of Ezra L. and Lila E. (Sawyer) Phipps. She graduated from Sheldon High School in 1939 and attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kan., where she was a Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Her first teaching assignment was in Cassidy, Kan.

While working for the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, Kan., Wanda met James K. Arthur and the two were united in marriage on Nov. 24, 1946. Wanda and J.K. were blessed with five children. Upon moving to Nevada, Mo., Wanda and J.K. opened their accounting business, Arthur Tax Accounting, in 1948. After the death of her husband, Wanda continued the business as well as worked as a substitute teacher in area schools.

Wanda was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Nevada, Mo., a long-time 4-H Club Leader for the Town and Country 4-H Club, a Girl Scout Leader, past PTA president, a founding member of the First Christian Church Widow’s Group, as well as a past member of Nevada Garden Club and the Pleasure Horse Club. She was a lifelong Democrat and former Democrat Committee Woman. Additionally, she was a member of the Missouri Retired Officers Association Surviving Spouses. Wanda particularly enjoyed spending time with her family, phone calls with friends, and following the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.

Wanda is survived by two daughters, Twila Earll and Renee Hampton, both of Nevada; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Also, she is survived by two sisters, Darlene Sheridan, of Sheldon, Mo., and Karen Brooks, of Carl Junction, Mo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, J.K.; and three sons, James P., Terrance K., and Gregory L. Arthur. Also, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ezra and Lila; two infant sisters, Maxine and Ella; and one infant brother, Severt Lynn.

Services for Wanda E. Arthur will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m., prior to the service. Internment and graveside services will follow at the Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, Mo. A family dinner, hosted by members of the First Christian Church, Nevada, will be held in the church Fellowship Hall, at 12:30 p.m.

For those who may wish to contribute, memorials may be given to the Sheldon High School Scholarship Fund or the Vernon County Youth Fair, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.