A passionate and caring lady who deeply appreciated family, friends, wildlife, art, and travel, Wanda Louise Rinacke, age 83, passed away peacefully in Independence on March 9, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests your kind donation to the Six Mile Cemetery Association c/o John Riley 3103 N. Miller Drive Independence, MO 60458.
Wanda was born on February 11, 1939, to Elmer and Juanita Williams (née Manning) of Carlisle, TX. As a young girl, she and her sister lived with their grandparents in Texas during World War Two as their father was deployed to the battlefield and their mother was employed to support the war effort. Wanda and her sister were joined by their many cousins during the summer months at their grandparent’s house. Wanda would share many loving stories of her, her sister, and their cousins in their grandparent’s town, helping at their general store and loading mail and water on passing trains. Many days were spent cooking and baking with their grandmother. At the end of the war, the family was reunited. Later, after remarrying, the girls’ parents moved to Missouri where Wanda met and married her husband, Harry. After living in Atherton for a few years with their son (b. 1957) and daughter (b. 1959), the young couple designed and built their forever home in Independence in 1967. It was at this home that Wanda became a passionate caretaker for the wildlife that loved her extensive work in designing and arranging her many awe-inspiring gardens. Wanda was an avid landscape and wildlife artist and photographer who shared her passion with others as a competitor in local and regional art competitions and showings, winning many awards and commissioned work. Wanda and Harry traveled extensively fostering a lifetime of memories for their children and grandson.
Wanda is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harry Lyle Rinacke, Sr. (2019), a U.S. Army veteran, and son, Harry Lyle Rinacke, Jr. (2017), a U.S. Air Force veteran of 23 years.
Wanda is survived by her sister Ginger, Trinity, TX; daughter Deborah, Independence; grandson Levi, Oklahoma City; and loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. Wanda was a member of the First United Methodist Church (Atherton). Wanda leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of so many. She is deeply loved and will never be forgotten.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600