Wanda S. Kannady

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Wanda S. Kannady, 86, Sheldon, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Truman Healthcare in Lamar, Mo. Wanda was born Jan. 4, 1935, to Cecil K. and Clara M. (Holt) Lemons. She married William J. (Bill) Kannady on Oct. 21, 1954, in Bixby, Okla. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before he preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 2014.

Although she was born in Wellington, Texas, Wanda moved with her family at a young age to Bixby, Okla., where she attended school. She graduated as the Class Salutatorian from Bixby High School in 1953. Wanda then attended Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa and following graduation she worked for a time as a bookkeeper. In 1963, she and Bill came to rural Sheldon, Mo., where they established themselves as versatile farmers. Wanda enjoyed living the country life as a farmer’s wife and a homemaker, a home she continued to reside in until her passing. Wanda never missed any of her children’s school activities or sporting events. She was a longtime member of the Sheldon Baptist Church where she played the piano and organ and was a children’s Sunday School teacher. For many years she gave piano lessons. Wanda became a member of the First Baptist Church in Nevada in 1998 where she was active in the Handbell Choir and the Praise Choir. Wanda worked for nearly 30 years at Ferry Funeral Home in Sheldon and in Nevada.

Wanda loved her family very much. She was very family oriented, she loved attending her children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, watching golf, keeping up with local sports, playing Jeopardy with Marsha, and was an avid reader.

Wanda is survived by two daughters, Marsha Hooper (Rick), Butler, Mo., and Marilyn Deem (Brian), Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Regan Kluhsman (Ben), Nevada, Bailey Wibberley (Justin), Tallahassee, Fla., Jordan Deem, U.S. Navy, Monterey, Calif., Hunter Deem, Camryn Deem, Riley Deem, Noah Deem, Micah Deem, Caleb Deem, all of Tallahassee, Fla.; two great-grandsons, Dawson William Kluhsman and Elias Ronan Wibberley; and her former daughter-in-law, Marla (Kannady) Foreman (Chet), Walker, Mo. In addition to her husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by one son, Michael Kannady; her parents; grandson, Will Christian Deem; and one brother, Tom (TC) Lemons.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 19, at First Baptist Church, in Nevada, with Dr. Kevin Daugherty and the Rev. Hubert Fox officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, and from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, at Ferry Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Choir/Music Department of First Baptist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

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