Wanda Sanders Bodemann, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, just one month shy of her 98th birthday.
She was born July 26, 1928, in Bristow, Okla., to B.M. and Beulah Sanders. Wanda lived a long and meaningful life filled with family, music, travel, curiosity, conviction, and love.
In 2011, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L.C. “Bob” Bodemann. She is also preceded by her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ione and Joe Holeman, Betty and Kenneth Cowan, Don Walker; her older brother, Gaino Sanders; two half-brothers, Hon Sanders and Don Sanders; her son-in-law, Tom Cellers and niece, Darlene Coleman Clayton.
Wanda is survived by her four children: Steve (Mitch Boeken) Bodemann, Mike (Peggy Audley) Bodemann, Diane Bodemann, and Donald (Kim Freeman) Bodemann. She is also survived by her sister, LaVonne Walker of Shawnee, Okla. She was a proud grandmother to 13 beautiful grandchildren and blessed with 19 great-grandchildren.
Wanda and Bob were married in Houston, Texas, in 1951. Their early years together took them to several states, and in each place their family grew. Their first child, Steve, was born in Houston; Mike in Oklahoma City; Diane in Denver; and Donald in Casper, Wyoming. The family eventually made their home in Iola, Kansas, where they lived for 31 years.
Wanda was a woman of many talents, deep interests, and a strong sense of purpose. She had a beautiful voice and sang in the choir at First Christian Church in Iola. In later years, she and Bob took part in city plays at the Bowlus Fine Arts Theater in Iola. She also had a thoughtful and courageous voice. She contributed guest editorials to the Iola Register, writing not only about local issues but also about civil rights, women’s rights, and human fairness. The joy of being grandparents eventually took Wanda and Bob to Hot Springs, where their children and grandchildren live.
Wanda will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, voice, strength of character, and devotion to family. Her life touched many generations, and her legacy will live on in the stories, values, and love she leaves behind. From Wanda’s personal notes: To quote Robert Frost, “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life…IT GOES ON.”
Memorial contributions may be made to LifeTouch Health Hospice, Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116; Abilities Unlimited, 530 Mountain Pine Rd. Hot Springs AR 71913; or Special Olympics of Arkansas, 2115 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Her full obituary can be found online at www.caruth-hale.com.
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