Wanda S. Bodemann
Wanda Sanders Bodemann, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on June 26, 2026, just one month shy of her 98th birthday.
She was born in Bristow, Oklahoma, to B.M. and Beulah Sanders. Wanda lived a long and meaningful life filled with family, music, travel, curiosity, conviction and love.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L.C. "Bob" Bodemann; her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ione and Joe Holeman, Betty and Kenneth Cowan and Don Walker; her older brother, Gaino Sanders; two half-brothers, Hon Sanders and Don Sanders; her son-in-law, Tom Cellers; and niece, Darlene Coleman Clayton.
Wanda is survived by her four children: Steve (Mitch) Bodemann, Mike (Peggy) Bodemann, Diane Bodemann and Donald (Kim) Bodemann. She is also survived by her sister, LaVonne Walker of Shawnee, Oklahoma.
She was a proud grandmother to Carolyn (Lanny) Hall, Brian (Rosie) Bodemann, Julie (John) Goodwin, Erin (Jim) McCarley, Keri Forrester, Maggie Bodemann (James Whiting), Scott (Tonya) Cellers, Jackson Cellers, Gretchen Cellers (Ben Milholen), Stephanie (Grant) Hall, Claire (Brian) Fleckenstein, Marcus Bodemann and Isaac Bodemann (Summer Coker). Each of her grandchildren felt truly known and loved by G'ma Bodemann.
She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Clara, Tess and Tom McCarley, Cate and Hurst Hall, Olivia and Bella Bodemann, Jackson, Henry and Thomas Goodwin, Ella Forrester, Everett, Appoline and Milou Cellers, Beckett Milholen, Ellie and Hallie Hall and Ace and Tatum Fleckenstein.
Wanda and Bob were married in Houston, Texas, in 1951. Their early years together took them to several states and in each place their family grew. Their first child, Steve, was born in Houston; Mike in Oklahoma City; Diane in Denver; and Donald in Casper, Wyoming. The family eventually made their home in Iola, Kansas, where they lived for 31 years.
Wanda was a woman of many talents, deep interests and a strong sense of purpose. She was a lifelong student of all things and an avid reader. She loved learning about history and especially enjoyed traveling across the United States with her three sisters on genealogy expeditions, piecing together the stories of those who came before her. She had a beautiful voice and sang in many church choirs throughout her life. In later years, she and Bob both took part in city plays at the Bowlus Fine Arts Theater in Iola.
Wanda also had a thoughtful and courageous voice. She contributed many guest editorials to the Iola Register, writing not only about local issues but also about civil rights, women's rights and human fairness. She believed in standing on the side of justice for all and was a founding member of the League of Women Voters in Casper, Wyoming.
The joy of being grandparents eventually brought Wanda and Bob to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1998, where their children and grandchildren lived. There, life was wonderful surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Wanda will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, voice, strength of character and devotion to family. Her life touched many generations and her legacy will live on in the stories, values and love she leaves behind. From Wanda's personal notes: To quote Robert Frost "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life...IT GOES ON!"
Special thanks to the family's dear friends, Bill Sorrels and Elizabeth Farris for their continued visits and support. The family was blessed to have LifeTouch Health Hospice care for Wanda just shy of seven months, living with her daughter, Diane. Her brothers will always be grateful to the love and care Diane provided to their Mother. If death can come in a perfect setting, Diane gave their Mother that special gift.
Memorial Contributions may be made to LifeTouch Health Hospice, Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116, Abilities Unlimited, 530 Mountain Pine Road. Hot Springs AR 71913 or Special Olympics of Arkansas, 2115 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 in appreciation of the meaningful support these organizations provide to people with special needs. Private family services will be held at a later date.
The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.
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