Wanda Kay Mercer, 78, of rural Columbus, died at 9:58 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Born May 4, 1944, in Columbus, Wanda was the daughter of Fred and Mabel (Walker) Thornburg They preceded her in death. Wanda was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Cuba Jean Thornburg and a sister, Thelma Martin. She graduated from Cherokee County Rural High School with the class of 1962.
Wanda and Ronnie Mercer were united in marriage June 29, 1962. They had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Wanda served as the Director of Volunteers at Mt. Carmel and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for 16 years. She was also a volunteer and instructor at the Pittsburg YMCA.
Wanda devoted herself to her religion and the people around her. She enjoyed many years of dedicated service to Glittering Stones and Cherokee County 4-H, Lions Club of Pittsburg, Ascension Via Christi Auxiliary and inducted into the Pittsburg YMCA Hall of Fame in 2018. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Columbus and Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Ronnie Mercer of the home; a daughter, Tammy Mercer of Campbell, New York; sons, Rex (Sandy) Mercer of rural Columbus and Randy (Christy) Mercer of rural Galena; two sisters, Pat Stice of Oswego and Debbie Turner of Iola. Five grandchildren, Randi (Dustin) Wiley, Elizabeth “Beth” (Dexter) Jones, Grady Mercer, Garett (Taylor) Mercer, and Cass (Lexia) Mercer; and five great-grandchildren, Weston, Sawyer, Tripp, Alaric, and Stocktin also survive.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. in the First Christian Church at Columbus. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until service time. Pete Mayo will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Mt. Carmel Volunteer Association, Lions Club of Pittsburg, or Pittsburg YMCA. These may be left in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www. brennermortuary.com.
She leaves us with her favorite verse, Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.