Wanda Wullschleger

Wanda P. Wullschleger of Navarre Florida, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2021, at the age of 88. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Wanda Phyllis Conaway was born on November 12, 1932, in Silver Lake, Kansas. She grew up on a farm with her mother Tressa, father James, and siblings Donna Mae, Lee, and Jim. After studying music away at college for a year, Wanda was married to her High school sweetheart, Allen Lee Holt on June 5, 1953. Together they had five children, Steve, Sherry, Sandy, Brian, and Karen. Wanda enjoyed 12 years of marriage with Lee both abroad and at home as a US Army spouse, then was widowed in June of 1965 as a mother of five young children. In 1968 Wanda remarried Richard 'Dick' Daniel Wullschleger, father of Alan, and moved her family from Topeka, Kansas to join them in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Soon after they had a daughter, Donna. Dick preceded Wanda in death after 30 years of marriage.

Musically gifted, Wanda was known for her beautiful soprano voice and pursued her passion for singing throughout her life as a member of church choirs (Ft. Walton Beach First Baptist, for over 40 years, and more recently, Billory Baptist in Navarre), performing with the Noteabelles in Ft. Walton Beach, and singing at the piano with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This appreciation for music lives on in many ways through them and extended family members.

Wanda enjoyed cooking at home as well as hosting family and friends. She would famously bake and decorate cakes for special occasions and weddings. To the very end, Wanda loved to plan meals and cook for anyone who visited, always outdoing herself and doing more than was ever expected.

Wanda sewed, knitted, crocheted, painted, and created many beautiful things, including fabulous Halloween costumes and baby blankets for loved ones. Many of her scenic paintings hand in the homes of loved ones and will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. Her talents were shared with Brownies and Girl Scouts for many years as leader of the troops.

Wanda's kind nature and love for animals was apparent as she was always willing to take in any animal in need, adopting many cats and dogs over the years. Granddogs loved their grandma and could count on a treat at any time.

Wanda was the matriarch of her family and loved spending time with them as frequently as she could. Her home was the hub of family visits and gathers, all fondly remember the simple things such as sitting with her on the back porch watching birds and talking, baking in the kitchen, singing at the piano, painting scenic images, playing games, doing puzzles together and so much more. Wanda's family was secure in her love for them. She will be forever missed.

Wanda was preceded in death by her father (James Conaway), mother (Tressa Cleo Conaway), and sister (Donna Mae Haynes). She is survived by brothers Lee and James (Karolyn) Conaway, children Steven 'Steve' Alan Holt (Sue), Sherry Sue Wagstaff, Sandra 'Sandy' Kay Todd (Michael), Alan Ralph Wullschleger (Diana), Brian Lee Holt, Karen Diane Bransten (Michael), and Donna Gail Williams. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Family will greet friends at Parker Price Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 27 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be October 28 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel at 10:00 am with graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, or to any local shelter or rescue, to honor Wanda's love for animals.