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West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Wanda Rhea Spender, daughter of the late Luey Earl Ward and Vesta Leonia Peterson Ward, was born July 25, 1934 in Sturkie, Arkansas and died January 15, 2021 at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 86 years.

She was united in marriage July 27, 1950 in Sturkie, Arkansas to Cecil Joseph Spencer, who preceded her in death October 15, 1994.

She is survived by two children, Diana Mullins and husband, Chuck, Springfield, Missouri and Janet Lawing and her husband, Jarrett, Caulfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Bradley Mullins and wife Terri, Angela Mullins, Melissa Mertz, Tyler Pruitt and wife Becca, and Michael Lawing and wife Keri; nine great grandchildren, Lilli, Kayle, Hannah, Emily, Brook, Ryenn, and Jakob; three great great grandchildren, Henry, Stevie, and Carson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and four sisters, Mae Kinder, Freda Smith, Juanita Smith, and Mary Pitts.

She attended the Elijah Church of Christ for many years. She loved to quilt, work in her garden, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was well known for her pie baking.

There will be a public viewing on Monday, January 18, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in West Plains, under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elijah Church of Christ or the Elijah Cemetery, and can be left at the funeral home.

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2 Comments

  1. Rick and Reda O'Dell
    January 18, 2021 @ 4:01 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Wanda was a wonderful lady. May God comfort and watch over all of you. Our prayers are with you all

  2. Roselea Mullins Payne
    January 18, 2021 @ 11:43 pm

    So sorry to learn of Wanda’s passing
    I worked with Wanda at Baxter Lab
    Many years and she was a wonderful
    Friend. Condolences to Diane , Janet and the entire family.
    Roselea Mullins Payne
    Austin, Texas