Wanda Faye Sheldon (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Wanda Sheldon, 73, of Bolivar, MO passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at her home in Bolivar, MO. Wanda was born in Polk, MO on September 23, 1945 to Charles William and Ella Mae (Keith) Vest. She grew up on the family farm, the second of five children. As a child she attended school in Polk, MO enjoying any free time with her sisters, cousins, and friends. Wanda was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Huron, MO from a young age and worked on the farm and enjoyed sports and 4H. She graduated from Bolivar High School in 1963. Years later Wanda joined Freshwater Church in Bolivar, and then recently First Baptist Church of Bolivar where she had many friends and loved to participate whenever she was able to attend.
In her twenties Wanda lived in Bolivar, married Charles Maynard Hobbs, and to this union was born her daughter, Sherida Gail. During this time she held various positions including office work at Teters Floral Products, doing bookkeeping, and working at Bolivar Public Schools. In 1979, she settled into a 40 plus year career in banking which began at Commerce Bank. Her dedication to her customers and strong work ethic led her to wear multiple hats including opening new accounts, making loans, marketing, overseeing bank cards, and organizing Senior Partners’ trips and activities to name a few. In 1994, Wanda was selected from over 400 employees as the Employee of the Year for all of the southwest Missouri branches at Commerce.
In 1982, Wanda married Hardy Sheldon. Together they built a home and enjoyed times with Sheri, Hardy’s children, Steve and Shirley, and later Kevin, Sheri’s husband. She would often travel with Hardy to activities regarding his insurance business and would help in selling vehicles at his car dealership. Wanda also enjoyed being somewhat of a second mom to various friends and family. After Hardy passed away at the age of 53, she continued living in their family home.
In 1997, she was asked to embark on a new adventure to help launch a new bank. After much consideration, she became one of the founders of Bank of Bolivar, where she again held many roles and was one of the original stockholders and a Vice President. Here, too, she excelled and enjoyed helping her customers and fellow workers. She was known for going far above and beyond to provide exemplary service to her much valued customers. When Wanda retired, she was honored with a celebration and many came to wish her well that day.
However, anyone that knew Wanda even a little knew that her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her life revolved around Zach and Hannah, and she rarely missed any of their events or ball games from the time they were born up until her final days. They affectionately called her Nana as did many of their friends. She was a well-known fan at Strafford, and even in her last waking hours was telling visitors how the Lady Indians were four-time state champs and such a wonderful group of girls.
Wanda entered into Heaven on March 25, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles William and Ella Mae Vest, and her husband, Hardy Sheldon. She is survived by her daughter, Sheri Hess, her husband Kevin, and their two children, Zachary Douglas and Hannah Grace, all of Strafford; step-children Shirley Sheldon of Fenton, MO and Steve Sheldon of Dunnegan, MO and their families; sisters Shirley Greer and husband John of Goodson, MO; Benita Farmer and husband Richard of Bloomington, IL; Beverly Coffey and husband Danny of Bolivar, MO; and brother Ed Vest and wife Mary of Polk, MO; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services for Wanda Sheldon will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11 AM at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. Visitation will be held an hour prior. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Bolivar, MO. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and acts of kindness to Wanda and her family during this time.
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