Wanda G. Richards, 85, of Whitewater, Wis., passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020, at the Rainbow Hospice Center, Johnson Creek, Wis. Wanda was born on April 8, 1935, in Altoona, Pa., to Eldon and Marguerite (Brokaw) Gearhart. Wanda married James H. Richards in Nappanee, Ind., on August 31, 1956.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, Elizabeth (Ernest) Stetenfeld, Laura (John) Vitale, and David (Carrie) Richards; eight grandchildren, Daniel Stetenfeld, Maria (Allen) Vitale-Echon, Rebecca Vitale, Rachel Stetenfeld, Helen Richards, Grace Richards, Amelia Richards, and Charlotte Richards; one great-grandchild, Oliver Echon; and two sisters, Marguerite (Charles) Kraft, and Virginia (Norman) Yost. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and her adoptive father, J. Milton Bowman; one sister, Rosena (James) Sawyer; and one brother, Willard Gearhart.

Wanda received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Omaha and her master’s in counseling and guidance from Ball State University. Wanda spent more than 35 years in the field of education, from elementary school teacher to various district-level administrative roles. She retired as the director of curriculum/instruction for the De Pere School District. Wanda enjoyed gardening, traveling, and painting. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Whitewater. A private burial will take place at the Roselawn Memory Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society and/or Rainbow Hospice Care, Jefferson, Wis.

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28