Wanda June Emerson (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Wanda June Emerson, 92, of Bolivar, MO, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025. Wanda was born on June 27, 1932, in Hydro, Oklahoma, to Mac Cecil and Georgia Ben Russell. Shortly after her birth, her family relocated to Washington state in search of a better life away from the Dust Bowl. It was there she spent her formative years and met the love of her life, Franklin Emerson. They were united in marriage on May 1, 1949, and shared a long and loving life together. In the early 2000s, Wanda and Franklin made their home in the Bolivar area. After Franklin's passing in 2008, Wanda found joy and comfort traveling with her sisters, creating cherished memories in places such as Virginia Beach, Mount Rushmore, Mexico, and Arizona. Wanda had a passion for gardening—especially her flowers—and loved the rewarding work of canning. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who took great pride in her family and the life she built with them. Wanda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Franklin, her daughters, Linda Queen, Janet Ellidge, and her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Roxanne Emerson; her grandchildren, Nina Biggerstaff, Andrea Brown, Natalie Whitt, Dawn Hoover, and Kimberly Queen; her great-grandchildren, Frankie Biggerstaff, Renee Powell, Robby Powell, Autumn Queen, Danni Hoover, Angela Hoover, Brianna Hoover, Jackson Hoover, Taylor Davis, and Andrew Davis; and her great-great-grandchildren, Emily, Lani, Elle, and Zoe. Services for Wanda will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri. She will be remembered for her strength, her love of beauty and nature, and the way she brought joy and warmth into the lives of those who knew her. Services for Wanda will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar Missouri. Visitation for Wanda will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 starting at 1:00 PM until the time of the service at the Butler Funeral Home.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wanda June Emerson please visit our Sympathy Store.
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?

