Wanda Strother

Funeral services for Wanda Melton Strother, 84, of Mountain Home will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 5 at Kirby-Boaz Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Larry Taylor, her son-in-law, officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 4, with the family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wanda Strother was born May 23, 1922, in Montaigue County, Texas, to William Lee and Mae Wagonseller Melton. As a young blue-eyed blonde, her spunky personality captured the heart of her classmate, Lynn Howard Strother. Their wedding, July 14, 1940, in Mangum, Oklahoma, began a lifelong romance that lasted 64 years. Their life together was a roller coaster of experiences that took them from Oklahoma City to North Little Rock to Memphis to Fort Smith, then Mountain Home. In all these locations, they made many friends with whom she stayed connected all of her life. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who also enjoyed a career in retail. Wanda epitomized Proverbs 31. She delighted in using her creativity in practical ways. She sewed beautiful clothes for herself, her daughters, and her grandchildren. Her grandchildren brought her their sewing projects. She made quilts for everyone in the family. She baked bread to give away to family, friends and acquaintances in the community. A woman ahead of her time, she believed in equal opportunity for all. Her son said she never discriminated against him when it came to assigning household chores. Her motto was "we all work until all the work is done." She is survived by a son, Lane (Judy) Strother of Mountain Home, Arkansas; three daughters, Lynda (Larry) Taylor of Pineville, Louisiana; Lana Hampton of Springdale, Arkansas; Leta (Keith) Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Leslie Tomichek, Lynn Taylor, Jodi Strother, Megan Strother, Mica Strother, Ty Hampton, Cara Conly, Holly Jones, Kristin Jones, and Margo Jones, who will serve as pallbearers; nine great-grandchildren, Jake, Buck, Wyatt, Hannah, Drew, Joseph, Alison, Elijah, and Piper; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, one brother, Glen Melton, and two sisters, Opal Doughty and Norene Wheeler, preceded her in death. Burial will be at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery. The First Baptist Church's Adam and Eve Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks or Ouachita Baptist University. Arrangements are by Kirby-Boaz Funeral Directors. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at kirbyboaz.com. She left her family a legacy rich in memories of being loved unconditionally, being encouraged to fulfill their dreams, and having her support as their anchor. Her children arise and call her blessed. Her earthly presence will be missed.