WANDA J. MERCER, 88 of Ogallala, passed away July 16, 2020, at the Indian Hills Manor.
Wanda was born December 30, 1931, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Loren C. and Alma D. (Phillips) Robinette. Before the family moved to Perkins County, she attended elementary school in Big Springs.
At the age of eighteen, Wanda married Robert Steinwart. Their union was blessed with five children, Rodney, Christy, Roger, Janice, and Clinton. Robert was diagnosed with cancer in 1967 and subsequently passed away, leaving Wanda as a young single mother. In 1970, Wanda married David Mercer, and the two raised her family in Ogallala.
Wanda was a fabulous and dedicated mother. When the waters of life got rough, she had a way of insulating her children from adversity, as only a mother could do. She was an excellent cook, with her specialty being fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and white gravy. Life made Wanda tough, but not callous. Her children all came to recognize how fortunate and blessed they were to have such a loving and strong woman to call Mother.
Wanda enjoyed fishing, camping, and boating. She liked to play KENO when she got the chance, and always enjoyed curiously good luck. Rooted in her upbringing, Wanda was gifted musically. "I do the best I can, with what I got" will be a phrase she is remembered for, along with her love of family and quiet strength.
Wanda was preceded in death by Robert Steinwart and David Mercer; daughter, Janice; and son, Clinton.
Survivors include her sons, Rodney (LuAnn) Steinwart of Kearney, Roger (Janet) Steinwart of Ogallala; and daughter, Christy (George) O'Hara of Lakewood, CO; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established in Wanda's memory for later designation to support the local police department and Methodist Church. Services will be streamed live at methodistchurchogallala.com.
Services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Monday, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.