Wanda Jean Branstetter

Wanda Jean Branstetter, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23rd, 2025, at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 24 days at WebCo Manor in Marshfield, Missouri where she was a resident. 

Wanda was born on October 30th, 1941, to John Foster Bollinger and Edith Ann Boggess. She grew up in Seymour, Missouri. After her parents' divorce, Edith married Melvin Hyder, who adopted Wanda.

Wanda met the love of her life, Jerry Oliver Branstetter, on a blind date and they were married on June 7th,1959, and shared 51 faithful years together. Their union was blessed with a son, Jerry Stephen, and a daughter, Kaylene. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Oliver Branstetter, father, John Foster Bollinger, mother, Edith Ann Hyder(Boggess), adopted father, Melvin Hyder, step-mother, Eugenia “Jean” May Trapp Hyder, and her son, Jerry Stephen Branstetter.  

She is survived by her daughter, Kaylene Marcum and her husband, Glenn, of Elkland, Missouri, and a few close relatives.

Wanda was a devout Christian who taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes for many years. She enjoyed being around the children. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially attending jamborees with Jerry where she loved watching him play the guitar and listening to bluegrass music. 

As a farmer's wife, Wanda dedicated her days to caring for the home and farm, feeding calves, helping with hay, and tending to yard chores. She was known for her exceptional cooking, particularly her rhubarb and strawberry cobbler. Wanda loved her cats. There was always a cat in the house and several outside. As a mom, she supported her children through 4-H and FFA where they showed Holstein cows.

After Wanda's health started to decline, she moved in with her daughter Kaylene and husband, Glenn, where she lived for 3 years. She had the opportunity to travel with them on vacations to various places. During that time, they traveled to the Grand Canyon and through Utah. Later, they made a trip to Houston, Texas to visit her son Steve, then to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to visit relatives there, and then finished up the trip in Florida to visit more family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to WebCo Manor in Marshfield, Missouri. A family luncheon will be held for the family at Little Creek Baptist Church on January 28th 2025 at 12:00pm with a graveside service to follow at Steele Memorial Cemetery at 2:00pm.