Wanda L. McElderry
October 13, 2012
Wanda L. McElderry, 74, died October 13, 2012, at the Taylor House Hospice. She was born May 26, 1938, to Mabel and Walter Houseman in Des Moines.
Wanda took great pride in her family, never missing their events. She would spend hours at sporting events, plays, and race tracks. She enjoyed watching dad and the boys in action at the races, shopping, and going to garage sales.
Wanda is survived by her sisters, Doris, Jeanie, Joy Anne, Janet, and Joyce; children, Cindy Stravers, Rhonda (Mark) McClaflin, Brenda (Greg) Rhodes, Amy (Randy) Cheers, and Jeff and Jerry McElderry; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerry, and grandson, Benjamin Stravers.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th in Des Moines. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will occur Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed towards the family in loving memory of Wanda.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dan Richardson
10/16/2012
MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO WANDA'S FAMILY. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING AROUND JERRY AND WANDA FROM TIME TO TIME OVER THE YEARS. IF YOUR WONDERING WHO I AM, WE WERE NEIGHBORS WITH CHUCK AND LINDA REEVES FOR MANY MANY YEARS, MY PARENTS WERE DAVE AND BETTY RICHARDSON. MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. SINCERELY DAN RICHARDSON.
Kristina Hartzer & Family
10/16/2012
The loss of a loved one is so hard to face, you just want to hide or
go some where and escape!
But death is something, we all must go through, I know its hard,
when its someone we loved and knew. Just know now, she is in a better place, no more hurt or pain shall she face.
It seems unfair and yes this is true,
but she is in Heaven now with the rest of our loved ones watching over me and you!
God has called her home to rest!!
And shes being well taken care of. Because God knows best!
She will always be in my heart & memories. I will love and miss her dearly.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you Kristina, Jeff, Christian, Ethan & Haden
Justin Stravers
10/16/2012
Grandma,
I have so many wonderful memories that I will carry with me forever. I think back to the Easter Sunday egg hunts, the late night racing fun, garage sale shopping, chasing your around Kmart acting like an Orangutan and this time of year I remember the beautiful rides on the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad. I know you are in a great place now enjoying time with all of those whom went home before you. Someday I know you all will be standing at the gates of heaven to welcome me home. "For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.[a] 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but its not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit." -2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Sonya Wingfield-Graziano and Family
10/16/2012
Know that a Mother's love is forever. May your memories comfort all of you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Sonya, Anthony and London
Vabulas Family
10/16/2012
The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories comfort you and bring you peace. Our thoughts are with you.
Angela, Rick, Mark & Lauren Vabulas
Diana DuBois Butzlaff
10/15/2012
My sincere condolences to your family. I am sorry for your loss.
Steve & Deb Roeder
10/15/2012
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.
Steve & Deb Roeder
Richard & Diane Hartzer
10/15/2012
Our sincere condolences to Wanda's family & friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace during this difficult time.