Wanda Lynn Mains

Athens- Wanda Lynn Mains, 89, went peacefully with her 2 daughters by her side on Thursday, August 8,2024, in Athens, Ohio. She was born on September 12, 1934, in the quaint town of Mount Kisco, New York, to her loving parents, the late William C. and Lenora Gilbert Wheeler Gross Fenning. A woman of noteworthy achievements, Wanda worked hard to complete 3rd and 4th grades and then 7th and 8th grade in the same year. She later graduated from Chauncey-Dover High School in just three years, reflecting her intellect and determination. Wanda was an Avon representative for 68 years and was in the President’s Club. She was dedicated to her career as an Avon Representative and touched the lives of many, leaving an enduring mark on all who had the pleasure of meeting her.

 Beyond her professional successes, Wanda Lynn Mains was a beacon of wisdom and kindness. In her journey through life, the Lord Jesus, family, friends and community held a special place in her heart. Her talents and interests kept her active. She beautifully played the piano for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She also was the communication officer for her local church. She did volunteer fundraising for Adventist Development Relief Agency, Hope for Humanity, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and March of Dimes. She also played the piano for other churches, when needed or asked. She enjoyed yard selling, flea markets and antiquing. In addition, she found pleasure in Bible study, reading health articles and books, and meeting, playing piano and singing with the Senior Club UpBEAT. She had a flair for writing, even creating poems as a child. This led her to write songs and poems as an adult. She belonged to the Athens Writer’s Group and collaborated in the book “Pickin’ Fleas: Writers Grooming Writers”. She was also in the book called “Who’s Who” for her accomplishments and was named Marquis Who's Who Top Professional and presented Marquis Who's Who Humanitarian Award. 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sherry L. Windland, Wendy C. McGee, four siblings, George Leland Gross, Dr. Audrey Cheryl Reed, Kathy Wheeler, and Richard Wheeler, and her cherished grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren, who will forever continue her legacy of love and strength. 

Besides her parents, Wanda now joins her beloved late husband, Charles Albert Mains, son, Loren Mains, infant brother, Gerald Gross, maternal grandparents, Bertha & Louis Gilbert, and paternal grandparents, Caroline & William J. W. Wheeler, in blessed rest.

 As we bid farewell to Wanda, let us remember her not with sorrow but with gratitude for the light she brought into our lives. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, her memory a bright moment in your day. If family and friends choose to donate to a charity in her name, please donate to ADRA livelihoods or emergency programs at adra.org/programs. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Dec. 12th at 6:00pm at The Hughes Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held prior from 4:00-6:00pm. After the Service a meal will be provided at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Please feel welcomed to sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy at www.ehwfh.com.