Wanda Earnest

Wanda Earnest passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 8th, 2010.
She was born October 3, 1918 in McClain County near Wayne, Okla. and grew up the daughter of an early day entrepreneur. Her father owned a national refrigerated trucking business in Wichita, Kansas and it was there she spent her Jr. High & High School years.
She attended Okla. Baptist University in Shawnee and met J.V. Earnest, a handsome young man affectionately nicknamed Bud by his brothers and sister. She graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Physical/Health Education, married Bud and moved directly to Stillwater. Bud owned and operated Earnest Bros. Shoes for over 30 years. Wanda settled in to Stillwater and was active in numerous community organizations and became an ardent Cowboy sports fan.
In 1957, she was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma at the original Skirvin Hotel in Okla. City. She had been sponsored by Okla. National Gas and served as their official state-wide hostess during their anniversary year. She was selected as a runner-up to Mrs. America at the national contest held in Daytona Beach, Florida.
She received her Masters degree in English from Okla. State University and taught Jr. High and High School English for 20 years. Her love for young people led her to become the House Director/Mom for Pi Beta Phi sorority for 21 years. Upon her retirement, the active members and alums initiated her into their sorority. It was a thrilling moment for her.
She loved to travel, and family cabins in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado had a very special place in her heart. Wanda was full of life and enthusiasm, a woman of grace, beauty and love. She will be missed by many and loved forever by family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Sara Earnest, Dr. Sam Earnest, and daughter-in-law Jane Earnest. A celebration of her life will be held Monday evening with a private graveside service for family and friends on Tuesday, May 11th. Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm Monday, May 10th at Palmer Marler Carberry Funeral Home. Special thanks from the family go to the wonderful caregivers at Grace Living Center and Judith Karman Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.