After a life of love and quiet grace, Wanda Maxine Anderson of Harrisonville, MO has passed.
What we offer here is gratitude wrapped in remembrance.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
Wanda Maxine (Carter) Anderson, 93, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, has gone to her eternal home in heaven. She passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.Wanda was born on April 11, 1933, in Kansas City, MO, to Dewey and Hollis Carter. Wanda grew up in Northeast Kansas City, where she met her husband, Fines Reed Anderson. They were married on December 18, 1954, and were married for 62 years, and raised 5 children.Wanda had many hobbies: playing cards with friends and family, antiques, horse races, and tracing her Oklahoma roots, of which she had many stories to tell. Her greatest hobby was her love of animals, especially her Miniature Schnauzers. She had a reputable business of raising her beloved dogs and made many lifelong friends through her business.After raising her family in Independence, MO, where she and Fines owned and ran an Industrial Safety Business, their dream of living on a farm came true. They moved to Pleasant Hill, where they enjoyed living in the country, their race horses, her Schnauzers, cats, and many other farm animals. In her later years, she was a loving caretaker of many.Wanda had a kind, inviting, and loving personality, was easy to talk to, a good listener, and never met a stranger. It has been said of her, “5 minutes with Wanda and she will get you to tell her your life story.” She was always ready with a compliment, encouragement, a hug, and a kiss. Anyone, and everyone, was welcome in her home and at her table, where there was always plenty of good food and conversation. Wanda (Nana) loved all her family and especially enjoyed the little ones.Wanda spent the last few years of her life at Golden Years Nursing Home, where she was loved by all, made many friends, and was cared for lovingly. Wanda was blessed to have family and many friends love and care for her in her final years. The family would like to thank all the ACG Hospice staff, especially Caitlin Freesene, who spent many hours caring for Wanda and loving her, and has become family to us. We were also blessed to have Wanda’s and our dear friend, Brenda Chamberlain Rellihan, who gave selflessly, caring for and loving Wanda. Wanda dearly loved her and looked forward to her many visits.Wanda is survived by her children: Candy Barnes, Carter (Denise), Clark, Curt (Wanda); daughter-in-law, Lori; 17 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fines; her son, Craig; and her siblings: Bob, Bill, Jim, and Helen.“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He restoreth my soul. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.” – Psalm 23 (excerpt)
