Wanda Rue Cates

Wanda Rue Wright Cates departed her earthly home for her heavenly home on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Visitation will be at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Burial will be at Mooringsport Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mooringsport, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Reverend Jim Gstohl.

Wanda was born in Blanchard, Louisiana on July 31, 1944. She graduated from Fair Park High School and Shreveport Drarghon Norton Business School. She married E.H. (Sonny) Cates in 1976 and moved to Mooringsport, Louisiana. They were married for 48 years. Wanda retired from Caddo Parish School Board where she drove a school bus. Wanda was of the Baptist Denomination. She was a wonderful alto singer and sang in many churches and groups. She loved the old-time gospel music. She sewed in church sewing groups making items for use by those less fortunate. She loved playing cards and missed her card playing buddies during her illness. She was active in the Al Anon program for over 30 years. But above all Wanda was a loving mother. She had five children that she loved and cared for very much. Wanda loved life but accepted her disease and was prepared for death. This was because of her Christian upbringing since a young child. She loved many things and people, but none more than Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Carrie Bozeman; her parents, Walter and Eunice Wright; a sister, Gail Watson and beloved aunts, Clydell Williams and Vera Stuckey.

She is survived by her husband E.H. (Sonny) Cates; son, John K. Rodgers; daughters, Sherry Lynn Forrester and husband, Geff, Kaye Woodard, Amanda Cassel and Laura Cates; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

A special thanks to Reverend Jim Gstohl, Amedisys Hospice, Rebecca Brewer and all the friends and relatives that visited during her illness and those who prayed during this difficult time.

Honoring Wanda as pallbearers will be Dustin Cates, Michael Gragg, Rick Spilker, Mike Talley, Richard Choate and Ben Robbins.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7)