Wanda Jane Houston

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Wanda Jane Houston, 83, formerly of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, in Sellersburg, Indiana.

Wanda was born on August 5, 1939 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the daughter of Sheldon and Edna Mae Snodgrass. Wanda lived in Booneville, Arkansas and attended Booneville High School, where she graduated with honors; she was a cheerleader for the football team, a point guard on the girls’ basketball team, and friend to all. She married John Samuel Houston, also of Booneville, Arkansas on June 12, 1960.

John and Wanda moved to Mexico, Missouri in 1967 where she and John established a livestock order buying business, By-Ryt Order Buyers. Wanda served as secretary and bookkeeper for the business and she and John operated it together, along with their dear friend, Larry Wagner, until the mid-1980s. Wanda also worked at Pilcher’s in Mexico for many years and cherished her friends there, especially her dear “Mr. Stahl.” Wanda was an avid bridge player and belonged to multiple groups; truly one of her favorite pastimes was sitting around the table with her “bridge buddies.” However, Wanda’s greatest passion was her grand and great-grandchildren, who she doted on with such love and generosity; sugar cookies, presents, endless rounds of hand and foot were just some of the amazing fun to be had with “Grams.”

Wanda served in multiple capacities at First Baptist Church during her 50+ years of membership; her favorite role was as director of the “Young Married Couples” Sunday School class, where John also taught. The friends she and John made there lasted a lifetime.

Wanda is survived by her three daughters, Deana (David) Millen of Henryville, Indiana; Joni (Michael) Lewis of Evergreen, Colorado; Karen (Chuck) Duckworth of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; Natalie (Robert) Ogburn, Hayden and Addison; Sam (Chrissy) Millen; Sara (Austin) Cooper, Kaden, Ayla and Brooklyn; Jack and Jacob Lewis; Trey and Houston Duckworth; and one sister, Gail (William) Mitchell of Malvern, Arkansas.

Wanda was preceded in death by John, her husband, her parents, and her two sisters, Avis and Judy.

Funeral Services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, Mexico, Missouri.

Visitation is Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of service at the church. A private burial will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mexico, Missouri. All may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com


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