Wanda passed away in her sleep, the morning of February 28, 2006. She was 70 years old. She and her husband, Harry, were long time residents of Pleasant Hope, MO but recently made their home in Springfield, MO.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Harry and a son; David Choate; two daughters and their husbands, Pamela and Fred Behling, and Gwendolyn and Doug Kamerer; four grandchildren, Shad and Brittany Rikard, Lindsey and Afton Behling; great grandchildren, Skylar Asher, Malachi Rikard and Jurney Hammond.
Loving God all her life, Wanda shared that love with her family, and with their friends who visited.
She was "Mom Choate" to many young people. A service in celebration of her life was held at Fresh Heart Foursquare Church, Friday, March 3, 2006 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a missions-directed memorial fund is set up at Empire Bank in Wanda's name.
Services were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO.
I REMEMBER MOMMA
By Pamela Behling
When our mom was young, she saw and loved a heartwarming movie about a city family, circa 1890s. The father figure appeared once or twice, but the story focused on the children--teenaged and younger--and the selfless, wise daily care given by their momma.
The much-loved movie's title was "I Remember Momma." Now, since our Mom has gone to be with the Lord, this is how I remember her.
Incident #1
Mom loved animals--especially all our farm dogs. For a number of years, we had 2 German Shepherds--Chief and Heidi. RARELY were the pooches allowed indoors.
Heidi was a pet with a sweet disposition. It so happened that one of the rare days came, and she was lounging on the living room floor. After a time, Mom came in to pray. She knelt at the couch and, verbally, began to praise God and to intercede to the Heavenly Father for others in need. She was in no rush as she poured out her heart to the Lord. Her voice rose and fell as she literally sobbed for others.
While still very intent, she began to hear whimpering and soft howling right beside her. Mom opened her eyes to this sight:
Heidi had come to the couch, also. She'd put her front paws up on the cushion, her head between them, and [make dog howl] was trying to imitate Mom's tones.
Incident #2
In our pre-teen years, we kids learned how to earn money for Christmas: picking up sacks and sacks of black walnuts! Sometimes, all five of us went in search of this money that does grow on trees; other times, only one parent took us in search of nuts.
One darlin' day, Dad had hitched the short, rock-gathering wagon to our Ford tractor. Mom came out, made sure we kids each had a 5-gal. metal bucket for gathering purposes. She also threw several empty feed sacks into the wagon. Our loaded buckets of nuts would be emptied into these.
That done, she hopped into the tractor seat, while we three kids jumped into the wagon. We sat on its sides or overturned the buckets for seats.
It was fun and comfortable riding across the field. But then we had to cross a creek bed! Mom yelled, "HANG ON!" Yeah--right. We were lurched and jarred so much, we thought our banged rear ends and elbows would NEVER recover!
Incident #3
In the fall of 1972, I left home to live in a dormitory at SMS. In the years following, Mom began lots of public service. First of all, she realizing the high school band REALLY needed to replace its 1950s or 60s uniforms. She spearheaded a successful drive to raise funding. Gwen was still in the band, so she was one of the first to march in the sharp, new outfits.
Also during this time, Mom served a number of times as a judge for elections in the Pleasant Hope polling location.
Later, with other Pen Hook citizens, she realized the need for Sr. citizen housing within the city limits of Pleasant Hope. Together, they labored on the project until the land was obtained, and continued until the contractors completed the apartments.
Incident #4
A. Mom loved music and was a good singer, too. She and I sang harmony with Grandpa Choate in the milk barn as we "juiced" the cows. Ah, contented cows! (Was it our imagination, or did they really kick less those times?)
She also led worship at Pleasant Hope A/G. Although in those days, her title was only "song leader."
B. Because her love for God was always most sincere, the Spirit of God graced her life with a gift of healing.
One time Gwen had injured her foot badly. One toe was very crooked--apparently broken. Mom prayed for the foot and Gwen's toe straightened.
Another time, I'd hurt my left arm and couldn't raise it freely. It hurt too badly even to prop it in the window of my car while driving. Mom became aware of the problem. She had me sit beside her, and began to intercede for me. After a bit, she exclaimed: "Oh! Did you feel that go into your arm?" Anointed by Almighty God, she had felt healing power leave her hands and go into my shoulder.
I replied, "No, Mom. I didn't feel anything, but that's okay--I don't need to."
In a few days, I could fling my arm any direction I wanted. Mom was God's instrument to bring me healing.
And it wasn't the only time for me and others.
C. Sweet little Mom spent hours in prayer--interceding for all manner of situations. Through the Spirit of God, she would sense a need and then give her time in prayer to alleviate it. Only in heaven will we know the many times she and Dad "turned the tide" for us--because of their intercession and their love for us all.
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY MOMMA.
She was a faithful, helpful wife for nearly 54 years.
She was a fun-loving, devoted Mom who was never too busy for us.
She was an eager grandmother and great-grandmother. (Although she liked to be called non-traditional names like "Nana" and "GG.") She couldn't wait to hold the babies, or to hug them as they grew.
--------------------
One last thing I want to mention:
Mom always tried hard to have us together for family birthdays and for holidays. It wasn't always possible after we kids married, but she knew what was coming up for whom, and never failed to ask, "What are we doing for…?"
Since there is one more phenomenal celebration coming up, I know she'll want us all to be there. So, in advance, I ask the Lord to pass along to her this last request:
SAVE US PLACES AT THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB, MOM.
And I know she will, too.
Your loving daughter,
Pamela Behling
Wanda is survived by her husband, Harry and a son; David Choate; two daughters and their husbands, Pamela and Fred Behling, and Gwendolyn and Doug Kamerer; four grandchildren, Shad and Brittany Rikard, Lindsey and Afton Behling; great grandchildren, Skylar Asher, Malachi Rikard and Jurney Hammond.
Loving God all her life, Wanda shared that love with her family, and with their friends who visited.
She was "Mom Choate" to many young people. A service in celebration of her life was held at Fresh Heart Foursquare Church, Friday, March 3, 2006 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a missions-directed memorial fund is set up at Empire Bank in Wanda's name.
Services were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO.
I REMEMBER MOMMA
By Pamela Behling
When our mom was young, she saw and loved a heartwarming movie about a city family, circa 1890s. The father figure appeared once or twice, but the story focused on the children--teenaged and younger--and the selfless, wise daily care given by their momma.
The much-loved movie's title was "I Remember Momma." Now, since our Mom has gone to be with the Lord, this is how I remember her.
Incident #1
Mom loved animals--especially all our farm dogs. For a number of years, we had 2 German Shepherds--Chief and Heidi. RARELY were the pooches allowed indoors.
Heidi was a pet with a sweet disposition. It so happened that one of the rare days came, and she was lounging on the living room floor. After a time, Mom came in to pray. She knelt at the couch and, verbally, began to praise God and to intercede to the Heavenly Father for others in need. She was in no rush as she poured out her heart to the Lord. Her voice rose and fell as she literally sobbed for others.
While still very intent, she began to hear whimpering and soft howling right beside her. Mom opened her eyes to this sight:
Heidi had come to the couch, also. She'd put her front paws up on the cushion, her head between them, and [make dog howl] was trying to imitate Mom's tones.
Incident #2
In our pre-teen years, we kids learned how to earn money for Christmas: picking up sacks and sacks of black walnuts! Sometimes, all five of us went in search of this money that does grow on trees; other times, only one parent took us in search of nuts.
One darlin' day, Dad had hitched the short, rock-gathering wagon to our Ford tractor. Mom came out, made sure we kids each had a 5-gal. metal bucket for gathering purposes. She also threw several empty feed sacks into the wagon. Our loaded buckets of nuts would be emptied into these.
That done, she hopped into the tractor seat, while we three kids jumped into the wagon. We sat on its sides or overturned the buckets for seats.
It was fun and comfortable riding across the field. But then we had to cross a creek bed! Mom yelled, "HANG ON!" Yeah--right. We were lurched and jarred so much, we thought our banged rear ends and elbows would NEVER recover!
Incident #3
In the fall of 1972, I left home to live in a dormitory at SMS. In the years following, Mom began lots of public service. First of all, she realizing the high school band REALLY needed to replace its 1950s or 60s uniforms. She spearheaded a successful drive to raise funding. Gwen was still in the band, so she was one of the first to march in the sharp, new outfits.
Also during this time, Mom served a number of times as a judge for elections in the Pleasant Hope polling location.
Later, with other Pen Hook citizens, she realized the need for Sr. citizen housing within the city limits of Pleasant Hope. Together, they labored on the project until the land was obtained, and continued until the contractors completed the apartments.
Incident #4
A. Mom loved music and was a good singer, too. She and I sang harmony with Grandpa Choate in the milk barn as we "juiced" the cows. Ah, contented cows! (Was it our imagination, or did they really kick less those times?)
She also led worship at Pleasant Hope A/G. Although in those days, her title was only "song leader."
B. Because her love for God was always most sincere, the Spirit of God graced her life with a gift of healing.
One time Gwen had injured her foot badly. One toe was very crooked--apparently broken. Mom prayed for the foot and Gwen's toe straightened.
Another time, I'd hurt my left arm and couldn't raise it freely. It hurt too badly even to prop it in the window of my car while driving. Mom became aware of the problem. She had me sit beside her, and began to intercede for me. After a bit, she exclaimed: "Oh! Did you feel that go into your arm?" Anointed by Almighty God, she had felt healing power leave her hands and go into my shoulder.
I replied, "No, Mom. I didn't feel anything, but that's okay--I don't need to."
In a few days, I could fling my arm any direction I wanted. Mom was God's instrument to bring me healing.
And it wasn't the only time for me and others.
C. Sweet little Mom spent hours in prayer--interceding for all manner of situations. Through the Spirit of God, she would sense a need and then give her time in prayer to alleviate it. Only in heaven will we know the many times she and Dad "turned the tide" for us--because of their intercession and their love for us all.
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY MOMMA.
She was a faithful, helpful wife for nearly 54 years.
She was a fun-loving, devoted Mom who was never too busy for us.
She was an eager grandmother and great-grandmother. (Although she liked to be called non-traditional names like "Nana" and "GG.") She couldn't wait to hold the babies, or to hug them as they grew.
--------------------
One last thing I want to mention:
Mom always tried hard to have us together for family birthdays and for holidays. It wasn't always possible after we kids married, but she knew what was coming up for whom, and never failed to ask, "What are we doing for…?"
Since there is one more phenomenal celebration coming up, I know she'll want us all to be there. So, in advance, I ask the Lord to pass along to her this last request:
SAVE US PLACES AT THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB, MOM.
And I know she will, too.
Your loving daughter,
Pamela Behling
Wanda passed away in her sleep, the morning of February 28, 2006. She was 70 years old. She and her husband, Harry, were long time residents of Pleasant Hope, MO but recently made their home in Springfield, MO.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Harry and a son; David Choate; two daughters and their husbands, Pamela and Fred Behling, and Gwendolyn and Doug Kamerer; four grandchildren, Shad and Brittany Rikard, Lindsey and Afton Behling; great grandchildren, Skylar Asher, Malachi Rikard and Jurney Hammond.
Loving God all her life, Wanda shared that love with her family, and with their friends who visited.
She was "Mom Choate" to many young people. A service in celebration of her life was held at Fresh Heart Foursquare Church, Friday, March 3, 2006 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a missions-directed memorial fund is set up at Empire Bank in Wanda's name.
Services were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO.
I REMEMBER MOMMA
By Pamela Behling
When our mom was young, she saw and loved a heartwarming movie about a city family, circa 1890s. The father figure appeared once or twice, but the story focused on the children--teenaged and younger--and the selfless, wise daily care given by their momma.
The much-loved movie's title was "I Remember Momma." Now, since our Mom has gone to be with the Lord, this is how I remember her.
Incident #1
Mom loved animals--especially all our farm dogs. For a number of years, we had 2 German Shepherds--Chief and Heidi. RARELY were the pooches allowed indoors.
Heidi was a pet with a sweet disposition. It so happened that one of the rare days came, and she was lounging on the living room floor. After a time, Mom came in to pray. She knelt at the couch and, verbally, began to praise God and to intercede to the Heavenly Father for others in need. She was in no rush as she poured out her heart to the Lord. Her voice rose and fell as she literally sobbed for others.
While still very intent, she began to hear whimpering and soft howling right beside her. Mom opened her eyes to this sight:
Heidi had come to the couch, also. She'd put her front paws up on the cushion, her head between them, and [make dog howl] was trying to imitate Mom's tones.
Incident #2
In our pre-teen years, we kids learned how to earn money for Christmas: picking up sacks and sacks of black walnuts! Sometimes, all five of us went in search of this money that does grow on trees; other times, only one parent took us in search of nuts.
One darlin' day, Dad had hitched the short, rock-gathering wagon to our Ford tractor. Mom came out, made sure we kids each had a 5-gal. metal bucket for gathering purposes. She also threw several empty feed sacks into the wagon. Our loaded buckets of nuts would be emptied into these.
That done, she hopped into the tractor seat, while we three kids jumped into the wagon. We sat on its sides or overturned the buckets for seats.
It was fun and comfortable riding across the field. But then we had to cross a creek bed! Mom yelled, "HANG ON!" Yeah--right. We were lurched and jarred so much, we thought our banged rear ends and elbows would NEVER recover!
Incident #3
In the fall of 1972, I left home to live in a dormitory at SMS. In the years following, Mom began lots of public service. First of all, she realizing the high school band REALLY needed to replace its 1950s or 60s uniforms. She spearheaded a successful drive to raise funding. Gwen was still in the band, so she was one of the first to march in the sharp, new outfits.
Also during this time, Mom served a number of times as a judge for elections in the Pleasant Hope polling location.
Later, with other Pen Hook citizens, she realized the need for Sr. citizen housing within the city limits of Pleasant Hope. Together, they labored on the project until the land was obtained, and continued until the contractors completed the apartments.
Incident #4
A. Mom loved music and was a good singer, too. She and I sang harmony with Grandpa Choate in the milk barn as we "juiced" the cows. Ah, contented cows! (Was it our imagination, or did they really kick less those times?)
She also led worship at Pleasant Hope A/G. Although in those days, her title was only "song leader."
B. Because her love for God was always most sincere, the Spirit of God graced her life with a gift of healing.
One time Gwen had injured her foot badly. One toe was very crooked--apparently broken. Mom prayed for the foot and Gwen's toe straightened.
Another time, I'd hurt my left arm and couldn't raise it freely. It hurt too badly even to prop it in the window of my car while driving. Mom became aware of the problem. She had me sit beside her, and began to intercede for me. After a bit, she exclaimed: "Oh! Did you feel that go into your arm?" Anointed by Almighty God, she had felt healing power leave her hands and go into my shoulder.
I replied, "No, Mom. I didn't feel anything, but that's okay--I don't need to."
In a few days, I could fling my arm any direction I wanted. Mom was God's instrument to bring me healing.
And it wasn't the only time for me and others.
C. Sweet little Mom spent hours in prayer--interceding for all manner of situations. Through the Spirit of God, she would sense a need and then give her time in prayer to alleviate it. Only in heaven will we know the many times she and Dad "turned the tide" for us--because of their intercession and their love for us all.
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY MOMMA.
She was a faithful, helpful wife for nearly 54 years.
She was a fun-loving, devoted Mom who was never too busy for us.
She was an eager grandmother and great-grandmother. (Although she liked to be called non-traditional names like "Nana" and "GG.") She couldn't wait to hold the babies, or to hug them as they grew.
--------------------
One last thing I want to mention:
Mom always tried hard to have us together for family birthdays and for holidays. It wasn't always possible after we kids married, but she knew what was coming up for whom, and never failed to ask, "What are we doing for…?"
Since there is one more phenomenal celebration coming up, I know she'll want us all to be there. So, in advance, I ask the Lord to pass along to her this last request:
SAVE US PLACES AT THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB, MOM.
And I know she will, too.
Your loving daughter,
Pamela Behling
Wanda is survived by her husband, Harry and a son; David Choate; two daughters and their husbands, Pamela and Fred Behling, and Gwendolyn and Doug Kamerer; four grandchildren, Shad and Brittany Rikard, Lindsey and Afton Behling; great grandchildren, Skylar Asher, Malachi Rikard and Jurney Hammond.
Loving God all her life, Wanda shared that love with her family, and with their friends who visited.
She was "Mom Choate" to many young people. A service in celebration of her life was held at Fresh Heart Foursquare Church, Friday, March 3, 2006 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a missions-directed memorial fund is set up at Empire Bank in Wanda's name.
Services were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO.
I REMEMBER MOMMA
By Pamela Behling
When our mom was young, she saw and loved a heartwarming movie about a city family, circa 1890s. The father figure appeared once or twice, but the story focused on the children--teenaged and younger--and the selfless, wise daily care given by their momma.
The much-loved movie's title was "I Remember Momma." Now, since our Mom has gone to be with the Lord, this is how I remember her.
Incident #1
Mom loved animals--especially all our farm dogs. For a number of years, we had 2 German Shepherds--Chief and Heidi. RARELY were the pooches allowed indoors.
Heidi was a pet with a sweet disposition. It so happened that one of the rare days came, and she was lounging on the living room floor. After a time, Mom came in to pray. She knelt at the couch and, verbally, began to praise God and to intercede to the Heavenly Father for others in need. She was in no rush as she poured out her heart to the Lord. Her voice rose and fell as she literally sobbed for others.
While still very intent, she began to hear whimpering and soft howling right beside her. Mom opened her eyes to this sight:
Heidi had come to the couch, also. She'd put her front paws up on the cushion, her head between them, and [make dog howl] was trying to imitate Mom's tones.
Incident #2
In our pre-teen years, we kids learned how to earn money for Christmas: picking up sacks and sacks of black walnuts! Sometimes, all five of us went in search of this money that does grow on trees; other times, only one parent took us in search of nuts.
One darlin' day, Dad had hitched the short, rock-gathering wagon to our Ford tractor. Mom came out, made sure we kids each had a 5-gal. metal bucket for gathering purposes. She also threw several empty feed sacks into the wagon. Our loaded buckets of nuts would be emptied into these.
That done, she hopped into the tractor seat, while we three kids jumped into the wagon. We sat on its sides or overturned the buckets for seats.
It was fun and comfortable riding across the field. But then we had to cross a creek bed! Mom yelled, "HANG ON!" Yeah--right. We were lurched and jarred so much, we thought our banged rear ends and elbows would NEVER recover!
Incident #3
In the fall of 1972, I left home to live in a dormitory at SMS. In the years following, Mom began lots of public service. First of all, she realizing the high school band REALLY needed to replace its 1950s or 60s uniforms. She spearheaded a successful drive to raise funding. Gwen was still in the band, so she was one of the first to march in the sharp, new outfits.
Also during this time, Mom served a number of times as a judge for elections in the Pleasant Hope polling location.
Later, with other Pen Hook citizens, she realized the need for Sr. citizen housing within the city limits of Pleasant Hope. Together, they labored on the project until the land was obtained, and continued until the contractors completed the apartments.
Incident #4
A. Mom loved music and was a good singer, too. She and I sang harmony with Grandpa Choate in the milk barn as we "juiced" the cows. Ah, contented cows! (Was it our imagination, or did they really kick less those times?)
She also led worship at Pleasant Hope A/G. Although in those days, her title was only "song leader."
B. Because her love for God was always most sincere, the Spirit of God graced her life with a gift of healing.
One time Gwen had injured her foot badly. One toe was very crooked--apparently broken. Mom prayed for the foot and Gwen's toe straightened.
Another time, I'd hurt my left arm and couldn't raise it freely. It hurt too badly even to prop it in the window of my car while driving. Mom became aware of the problem. She had me sit beside her, and began to intercede for me. After a bit, she exclaimed: "Oh! Did you feel that go into your arm?" Anointed by Almighty God, she had felt healing power leave her hands and go into my shoulder.
I replied, "No, Mom. I didn't feel anything, but that's okay--I don't need to."
In a few days, I could fling my arm any direction I wanted. Mom was God's instrument to bring me healing.
And it wasn't the only time for me and others.
C. Sweet little Mom spent hours in prayer--interceding for all manner of situations. Through the Spirit of God, she would sense a need and then give her time in prayer to alleviate it. Only in heaven will we know the many times she and Dad "turned the tide" for us--because of their intercession and their love for us all.
I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY MOMMA.
She was a faithful, helpful wife for nearly 54 years.
She was a fun-loving, devoted Mom who was never too busy for us.
She was an eager grandmother and great-grandmother. (Although she liked to be called non-traditional names like "Nana" and "GG.") She couldn't wait to hold the babies, or to hug them as they grew.
--------------------
One last thing I want to mention:
Mom always tried hard to have us together for family birthdays and for holidays. It wasn't always possible after we kids married, but she knew what was coming up for whom, and never failed to ask, "What are we doing for…?"
Since there is one more phenomenal celebration coming up, I know she'll want us all to be there. So, in advance, I ask the Lord to pass along to her this last request:
SAVE US PLACES AT THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB, MOM.
And I know she will, too.
Your loving daughter,
Pamela Behling
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