Wanda Lee Ellen Ihlefeldt, 91, of Lake Mary, FL, went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2017, as a result of Alzheimer’s Disease. Upon her death, she was residing at Sutton Homes Memory Care in Altamonte Springs, FL. She was born to William and Mary Ellen Blunt on March 22, 1926, in Springfield, MO.
On December 28, 1947, she was united in marriage to Gus F. Ihlefeldt. To this union were born two children, Terry Allen Ihlefeldt and Cynthia Lee (Ihlefeldt) Staats. Prior to meeting Gus, Wanda furthered her education by attending Draughons Business College in Springfield, MO. During Gus’s time in the Air Force, they traveled to Turkey, Canada and across the United States. Upon Gus’s retirement, they settled in the Tacoma-Seattle area.
Wanda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her son, Terry of Topeka KS; daughter, Cynthia and her husband Robert Staats of Lake Mary, FL; grandson, Aaron Staats of Lake Mary, FL; and granddaughter, April Staats Kailing and her husband, Brent Kailing and their 2 children, Chase and Mia Kailing, of Debary, FL. Wanda is also survived by her sister, Juanita Leach of Springfield, MO and her 2 sons, David Leach of Springfield, MO, and Ken Leach of Dallas, TX. Wanda expressed many fond memories of growing up with her sister Juanita, and they remained very close even when separated by distance. She also leaves behind many loving friends including Gary Dysart of Springfield, MO, and nieces and nephews in Dallas, TX
Wanda enjoyed raising her children, sewing, preparing culinary delights, painting and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. She spent much time in prayer and reading her Bible, traveling, going to farmers markets, and often could be seen working in her yard tending her roses. Wanda also worked as a caregiver to the handicapped and disabled in Washington state. After she relocated to Lake Mary, FL, she worked at Walmart full time until she was 82. Many customers would see her out shopping and come up to her to say how they missed seeing her in the store.
A special thanks to her caregivers at Sutton Homes; Linda Joseph, Paula Falkin, Sharona Barnes, Maria Best, Pauline McCalla and Joy Bell. The family would also like to give thanks and appreciation to Salina Fernandes, RN, Chaplin Roger Hagen and the staff at Vitas Hospice, and all of the staff at Sutton Homes Assisted Living Facilities.
Wanda will be missed, not only by her family, but also by the hundreds of lives she touched in her lifetime. She was a true woman of God who had a pure and caring spirit.
Services for Wanda will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, North Springfield, Missouri.

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