COLUMBUS
Wanda R. James, 95, of Columbus, passed from this life May 23rd at the Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Born April 5, 1930 on Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas, Wanda was the daughter of Archie Deeter and Rosa (Tiner) Deeter. Wanda graduated from Morrilton High School in 1951. Wanda married the love of her life, Ronald James, on July 5th, 1952 in Chandler, Arizona. They celebrated 72 loving years of marriage. They had two daughters, Deborah (Mike) McReynolds and Michele (Scott) Brown; two grandsons, Ryan (Allison) Shultz and Erick (Teal) Shultz; one granddaughter, Samantha (Gage) Reeves; two great-granddaughters, Maddie and Kasper Shultz and a great grandson, Sage on the way in October.
Ron and Wanda owned and operated Malcolm Ross Jewelers until their retirement. After retiring, Wanda worked as the manager of the China department at Elder-Beerman. She enjoyed spending winters in Casa Grande, Arizona and taking trips with her dear friends. Wanda joined the Merri-Makers Homemakers Extension Club in 1958 and remained a member for 67 years. Always the classy lady, Wanda shared her knowledge and experiences in many ways, including teaching etiquette classes. She was like a second mom to several neighborhood kids and maintained a loving and loyal relationship with them through her entire life.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, daughter, Deborah and her lifelong love, Ronald.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Pastor Damon Marling will officiate.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Wanda will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Garland Brook Mausoleum. In memory of Wanda, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Bartholomew County Extension Homemakers.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the James family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
