Wanda Lee (Emery) Whillans

Wanda Lee (Emery) Whillans, daughter of the late Bob and Mildred (Sanders) Emery, was born Aug. 1, 1941, in Wright County, Missouri. She went to her eternal home on July 22, 2026, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 21 days of age. Wanda grew up on the family farm in Vanzant and was the oldest of four children and the only girl. The family attended Willow Springs No. 2 Church and Wanda came to know Jesus as her personal Savior, being saved and baptized in 1953. Wanda graduated from Dora High School, Class of 1959. Following high school, Wanda joined the workforce at Brown Shoe Company in Cabool. Over the years, Wanda worked as a security guard and a laborer at the Zenith factory before finding her final career as a CNA in the healthcare profession. Wanda met the love of her life, George “Bunk” Whillans, and they married. This was the beginning of many life adventures as they went west, living in Arizona, Nevada, and settling in Washington. They rode coast to coast as well as to Mexico and Canada on their motorcycle. She loved Hawaii and thus made that her destination of choice at least three times. Bunk passed away in 2011, and Wanda left Washington and returned home to spend the rest of her days with family. She resided in Mountain Grove and enjoyed reuniting with loved ones. She could be found at weekly jam sessions, shopping at Macy’s (which she had a good eye for jewelry and perfume), and enjoying a good meal out. Wanda’s nieces and nephews smile in remembrance of her visits over the years as she always showered them with gifts, either boughten or crocheted, all given with love from her heart.
Besides her parents and husband, Wanda was preceded in death by brothers, William “Bill” Emery and Jackie Emery; sister-in-law, Beverly Emery; and niece, Laurie Lee Crawford. Wanda is survived by her brother, Bobby Dean (Sandie) Emery, of Vanzant; nieces, Julie Emery, of Drury; Shelly (Justin) Smith, of Mountain Grove; Tambi (Adam) Goins, of Mountain Grove; nephews, Johnny (Brittney) Coffman, of Vanzant, and Chad (Kathy) Emery, of Neosho; a beloved grandson, Raymond Sigman and family, of Maple Falls, Wash.; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and many other relatives and dear friends who will miss her greatly. Wanda always had a love for her “fur babies” throughout her life and she leaves behind the last one, “Janie.” A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at the Vanzant Community Building with Bro. Bryan Holycross officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolence: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.