Wanda Ruth Coe

1952 - 2023

Wanda Coe

 

Wanda R. Coe passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023.  Wanda was born in Marion, KS on December 28, 1952 to Roy and Rose Olive Hett. She is predeceased by her parents and her husband, George Coe. Wanda is survived by a brother, Glen Hett (Pam) of Marion, KS.  Other survivors are sisters-in-law Gail Coe; Becky Cameron (Gary); Cathy Patterson (Bill); and Jan Coe; nieces: Morgan Rexroat-Hett (Shonna); Samantha Hett (Travis Doyle); Holly Timmermeyer (Brent); Chris Coe; Kathy Coe; and nephews: Kyle Hett (Tedra) and Andy Coe (Kayla); and five great nieces and nephews.

Wanda was a 1971 graduate of Marion High School, Marion Kansas, and Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky in 1975, and she also earned a Master’s Degree from Wichita State University.  She was a dedicated teacher for 37 years, most of those teaching special education in the Wichita public schools.

Wanda and her husband were close friends and classmates growing up together in Marion, KS, but after graduating high school they both went on different paths.  Some 20 years later they reunited and on April 16, 1991 they quickly married before he was deployed with the 82nd Airborne to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.  When he returned they had the wedding they had planned before he was deployed and reaffirmed their vows in front of family and friends.  George was a devoted husband, especially during her long illness, but he unexpectantly passed away just 4 months before her.  Though they never had children, Wanda said that the students she taught each year were her children.  She was also a doting aunt and liked to take her nieces and nephews on special outings when they would come visit.  Her niece, Morgan, lived with them for 3 years while she was attending WSU and remained close to them thereafter.

A graveside service will be held at Marion Cemetery in Marion, KS on Thursday July 27th at 11:00am.