Wanda Yeary

Longtime Purcell resident, Wanda Yeary, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 26, surrounded by family at Sunset Estates in Purcell, OK. She was born September 12, 1922 to John Thomas West and Edith Lee (Hunter) West in Sulphur, OK. The family moved to Purcell in 1940, and she graduated in 1941 from Purcell High School. Her first job was with the Canadian Theater as a cashier. Wanda worked at the theater a short time, and then enrolled in Draughn's School of Business in Oklahoma City. She met her husband, the late James L. Yeary, at the theater, and the couple married on December 24, 1941. In the late 1950's, she was employed at the Purcell City Hall as a bookkeeper, following this, she went to work at the McClain County Bank where she stayed for the next 36 years. Wanda started as a Bookkeeper at the bank. Following this and when she retired in 1987, she was a Vice-President. Wanda was an avid china painter and member of the Purcell China Club since 1970. She had other hobbies which included traveling with a niece Rose McCurdy, watching OU football on TV, mowing with the riding tractor, and spending time with family. According to her grandson, she was the best pancake maker on the planet. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, Bradley and Laura (and her spouse David), and great-grandson. Wanda was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and had been for over 50 years. Wanda is preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, a brother (J.T. West), sister (Edith Mills), sisters-in-law (Roberta Mantooth, Imogene Reynolds, Virgie Lane, Dorothy Reese), brothers-in-law (TS Yeary, Darst (Bo) Yeary, Pard Reynolds, Olin Reese, Aubrey Mills, and Russell Mantooth). She is survived by her son, James L. Yeary Jr.; daughter-in-law Gail T. (Barthel) Yeary of Purcell; grandson Mark Bradley Yeary of Norman, OK; granddaughter, Laura and her husband, David Zych and great-grandson James of Allen, Texas. She also leaves behind a special sister-in-law (Ruth West); numerous beloved nieces and nephews that she thoroughly loved to have visit her; and would like to have adopted Benny Akerman and family. The family wants to thank the staff at Sunset Estates and Loving Care Hospice for their compassion. Granny will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed.

Wanda Yeary

September 12, 1922 - March 26, 2016