Wanda Gash

Mrs. Wanda Lee Gash, age 91, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, at The Timbers Assisted Living in Holts Summit, Mo, surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 31, 1934, in Prairie du Rocher, Illi., one of eight children to the late Charles Bert and Pearl Elizabeth (LongLois) DuFrenne. She was united in marriage on September 13, 1952, in St. Louis, Mo., to Glen Joseph Gash. He preceded her in death on August 03, 1992, after nearly 40 years of marriage.
A 1951 graduate of Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis, Wanda worked during her high school years to fund her way through the private girls' academy. No stranger to hard work, she was employed with various companies while she followed her husband's military career across the globe.
Upon returning stateside, Wanda worked as a secretary for Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. The Gash family relocated to Jefferson City in 1985, where they would plant their roots. Wanda then went to work for the Jefferson City Public Schools in the lunchroom, where she enjoyed seeing and serving the children each day.
She was a longtime member of the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter. Extremely devoted to her faith and parish, Wanda volunteered countless hours serving others; working with Meals on Wheels, visiting the sick, and helping transport people to church services, Wanda had a servant's heart and generous spirit. She treasured Perpetual Adoration and her many rosaries.
As the wife of a highly decorated military serviceman, Wanda's life naturally included travel, but she embraced each opportunity as an adventure. She cherished family trips with her young children to places like Branson, Wisconsin Dells, and the Badlands, memories she held close throughout her life. Her international journeys to Italy, Ireland, France, Germany, and beyond enriched her with culture and unforgettable experiences. Among her greatest joys was crossing off a lifelong dream, visiting Niagara Falls, made extra special by sharing it with her family.
Enjoying life's simple pleasures, Wanda loved competitive family card game nights, taking trips to the casino, and trying her luck at weekly Bingo. She was a voracious reader and movie connoisseur, taking every opportunity to escape reality for a brief time. A few of her favorite things were the simplicity and beauty of fresh cut flowers, bird watching, and loving on her pets, especially her current sidekick, Max.
Above all, Wanda cherished her family. If you were to ask her what her proudest achievement in life was, she would say without hesitation, raising her two sons. As a grandmother, she helped where and when she could, never missing an opportunity to spoil them. Her family never questioned her love for them, and she remained a steadfast, safe place for them to come. Kind, caring, and sometimes ornery in the best ways, Wanda leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her sons, Timothy Gash (Stephanie) and Paul Gash (Christina) both of Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Jimmy Gash, Delaney Gash, Kellan Gash, Russell Cobb (Melanie), Cody James (Lindsay) and Samantha Wood (Justin); 3 great-grandchildren, Audri, Adlee and Conner Wood; brother-in-law, John Cunningham of St. Louis, Mo.; niece, Michelle "Micky" Short of Fenton, Mo.; nephew, Danny Gash (Donna) of Arnold, Mo.; and a host of nieces, nephews and members of her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Glen; her parents, Charles and Pearl; her siblings, Iva (Ralph), Judy, Melba, Emma Mae, Alma LaVida "Vida," Evelyn, and Chuck; and nephew-in-law, Bruce Short.
A Memorial Mass will be conducted at 10.00 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter with Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki, Diocesan Administrator and Deacon David Thompson officiating.
Private graveside services and inurnment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter, 216 Broadway Street Jefferson City, MO 65101, or Hospice Compassus, 3405 W Truman Boulevard, Suite 210 Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Wanda Gash, please visit our Tree Store.