August 11, 2020

Linn County News

Published Aug. 12, 2020

Mary LaWanda (Wanda) Read, 94, of Raymore, Mo., passed away on Aug. 8, 2020, at Foxwood Springs Senior Living Facility in Raymore. Mary LaWanda Johnson was born on June 10, 1926, in England, Ark., to William and Lottie Johnson. 

Wanda lived in Arkansas until she married her husband, U.S. Air Force serviceman Dick Read, on Sept. 16, 1953. Wanda and Dick welcomed their daughter, Mary Denise, to the world on Dec. 27, 1954. The tight-knit family of three traveled extensively, moving between U.S. Air Force bases in Florida, Oregon, Maine, Missouri and the Philippines. After Dick's retirement the family lived in Grandview, Mo. Later Dick and Wanda settled in Pleasanton, Kan., where Wanda worked at the First State Bank. She loved to camp, helping to organize adventures with their RV camping group throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Wanda loved unconditionally, could strike up a conversation with anyone and was known for her thoughtful nature. She had an innate ability to make others feel welcomed and appreciated. She expressed her gratitude to anyone who provided her a service – wait staff, hairdressers, handymen, housekeepers and the like – not only with words of gratitude but also with chocolate bars and candy treats, including extras for those who were especially attentive. 

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Mary Rhodes (Grandview); son-in-law Jim Rhodes (Lee's Summit, Mo.); and grandson Joshua Rhodes and family (Lee's Summit). She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Imogene; brothers Bob and Dub; husband Dick (July 3, 2020); and granddaughter Jenna Rhodes of Little Rock, Ark. (July 31, 2019).

The family requests that in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made to the Jenna Rhodes Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Grandview Education Foundation. Donations can be mailed to Grandview Education Foundation, Box 546, Grandview, Mo. 64030.