Wanda Rhea Spencer, 86

Wanda Rhea Spencer, 86, died Jan. 15, 2021, at Ozarks Healthcare (formerly Ozarks Medical Center) in West Plains. A viewing was held on Jan. 18 at Carter Funeral Home in West Plains.

She was born July 25, 1934, in Sturkie, Arkansas, the daughter of Luey Earl and Vesta Leonia Peterson Ward. On July 27, 1950, in Sturkie, she married Cecil Joseph Spender. 

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

She is survived by two children, Diana Mullins and husband Chuck of Springfield, and Janet Lawing and her husband Jarrett of Caulfield; 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, who died Oct. 15, 1994, and four sisters, Mae Kinder, Freda Smith, Juanita Smith and Mary Pitts.

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

Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, directors.