Wanda L. (Wade) Jenks

Wanda Lee Jenks, 92 of West Springfield, passed away early Friday morning at home after a brief illness, November 10, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born December 12, 1930 in Gem, West Virginia, the daughter of Samuel Clyde and Lucinda (Dean) Wade.

Wanda graduated from West Springfield High School. While a senior in high school, she took first place in a pie contest for her cherry pie. She married the love of her life, Ralph E. Jenks on December 20, 1948. They owned Jenks Motor Sales, which served the community until their retirement in 2009. They enjoyed traveling together to do the work of the farm dealer’s association NAEDA.

She was a member of West Springfield United Methodist Church and actively involved in the community. She helped with kitchen duties, bakes sales and after school programs. Wanda was a founding member and first president of the Springfield Service Circle. Wanda was an election worker and notary public. She was a Girl Scout Leader and helped place flags at the cemetery for Memorial Day each year. In later years, she delighted in taking care of her great-grandchildren and any baby who came into her orbit.

Wanda enjoyed reading novels, vegetable gardening, and the Cleveland Indians. Most of all, she enjoyed her family, cooking for her family and whoever happened to be in her home, and caring for her neighbors, friends, and babies.

Wanda will be remembered for her infectious laugh, smile, and willingness to help anyone she could.

Survivors include her daughters Brenda (Richard) Sembower of Girard, PA, and Rev. Deborah (Dennis) Hills of W. Springfield; grandchildren Mark (Cara) Sembower, Kristy (Rev. David, Jr.) Buzard, Justin (Lisa) Hills, and Julie (Jamie) Arseneault; and great-grandchildren Annabeth, Tyler, Desmond, Millie, Izzy, and Alex; brother-in-law Robert Bright; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Ralph March 3, 2023; and siblings Carrie Bowers, Samuel Georg Wade, Lilburn Wade, Mary Alice Warner, Esta Grace Russell, Minnie Garrison, June Ator, Freida Carol Bright, Betty Finlaw, and Coletta Nault.

Wanda’s family would like to thank those who cared for her in recent months, including Kathy, Bonnie, Jen, Nancy, Hailey, and Hayden.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Monday November 13, 2023, at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with Rev. Robert Klingler and Rev. David Buzard, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Cemetery, East Springfield, PA.

Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-7:00 PM., Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in Wanda’s memory to All God’s Children Ministries, PO Box 65, West Springfield, PA 16443. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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